Governor Umar Namadi has announced plans to hold heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) accountable by defining specific performance indicators to which they would be held accountable.

Mr Namadi said this while opening a two-day retreat for Jigawa State Executive Council members and other top government officials, which began in Kaduna on Monday.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) Accountable, Responsive and Capable Government (ARC) (PERL-ARC) programme.

Mr Namadi, who underscored the importance of the retreat, emphasised the invaluable partnership with development organisations such as FCDO, UNICEF, and Save the Children, among others.

Recognising the retreat’s comprehensive agenda and critical role in achieving the state’s development goals, the governors encouraged all participants to think creatively and innovatively to ensure the retreat’s objectives yield transformative outcomes.

The governor expressed concern about key human development indices that continued to depict a grim picture despite the significant achievements.

Mr Namadi lamented that the challenges have persisted, as evident in the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster (MICS) Survey Report.

Highlighting the need for a revised approach to implementing initiatives and interventions, Mr Namadi stressed the importance of practical improvements in the socio-economic well-being of Jigawa citizens with measurable impacts on national surveys.

The governor emphasised the significance of efficient resource utilisation, effective public expenditure, and financial management systems. He proposed the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation system to continually appraise performances across sectors and take remedial measures when necessary.

Mr Namadi, therefore, urged the participants to actively engage in the retreat proceedings by recognising that the issues discussed are pivotal for sector-level success and overall government performance. He expressed optimism regarding the retreat’s fruitful outcomes and its contribution to making Jigawa a greater and better Jigawa.

Secretary to the state government, Bala Ibrahim, outlined the retreat’s objectives, which included familiarising participants with the policy and governance environment and implementing the governor’s commitments outlined during his inaugural speech on May 29.

(NAN)