The board of directors of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged governments at all levels to uphold their election promises by delivering essential infrastructure and sustainable livelihood support to rural communities.

The appeal was made by Rabi Isma, chairperson of the AAN board, during a working visit to Tungan Ashere community on Saturday in Abuja.

The visit was part of the organisation’s commitment to amplifying citizens’ voices and promoting responsive, people-centred governance.

Ms Isma said rural communities across Nigeria continued to suffer from neglect and required urgent government intervention in key areas such as electricity, schools, health centres, and access roads to thrive and realise their potential.

According to her, fulfilling these promises is critical to the delivery of democratic dividends.

“Government officials often erect poles and announce infrastructure projects, but many of these are left abandoned.

“If you promise electricity, install it. Let the community benefit. Governance should not be about photo opportunities but about real action that transforms lives,” she said.

She also urged leaders to consider the legacy they intend to leave behind, stressing that true leadership is measured by positive, lasting impact.

Ms Isma commended Tungan Ashere residents for sustaining ActionAid’s interventions in the community, including the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, women empowerment initiatives, and agricultural projects.

“I am truly inspired by the community’s resilience, especially the women, their strength, determination, and drive to transform their lives. This is the real spirit of empowerment,” she added.

She noted that the ICT centre was established by ActionAid in partnership with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and had positively impacted the lives of many young people in the area.

Earlier, ActionAid Nigeria’s country director, Andrew Mamedu, urged citizens to demand greater accountability from the federal, state, and local governments.

“We must insist on accountability. If leaders are not held accountable, development will continue to elude us,” he said.

Mr Mamedu stressed that many countries had achieved progress because citizens consistently demanded results from their leaders.

“Even during political campaigns, poor road conditions never stopped politicians from accessing rural communities. So, after elections, communities must engage their leaders to ensure delivery,” he said.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of ActionAid’s interventions and identify further needs within the community.

Mr Mamedu said recent statistics showed that over 70 per cent of people in rural communities in Nigeria live in poverty, hence the need for continued investment and advocacy in such areas. 

(NAN)