The Jigawa State government has approved a framework to institutionalise the citizens’ engagement programme, called “Gwamnati da Jama’a,” as part of efforts to strengthen public participation in governance.

Alhaji Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, said this in a statement in Dutse on Tuesday.

He said the State Executive Council (SEC) had endorsed the framework at its meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Musa said the endorsement of the framework followed the successful implementation of the programme across the 27 local government areas over 10 months.

He said the initiative provided a platform for direct interaction among government officials, citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders, women, youth groups, and civil society organisations.

The commissioner said the engagement exercise also contributed to developing the state’s 2026 budget by incorporating citizens’ priorities into government planning and resource allocation.

Mr Musa said the report submitted to the council recommended the adoption of a citizens’ engagement participatory governance policy, and an implementation framework to institutionalise the programme at all levels.

“The proposed framework provides mechanisms for regular dialogue between government and citizens, enhanced transparency in public administration, improved accountability in service delivery and structured feedback systems,” he said.

Mr Musa said the council commended the committee responsible for implementing the programme and acknowledged the importance of making citizens’ engagement a permanent feature of governance in the state.

He quoted Governor Umar Namadi as reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ongoing engagement with citizens to achieve sustainable development.

According to Mr Musa, sustainable development can only be achieved when government policies and programmes reflect the aspirations of the people.

He said the council also approved the constitution of a committee to review and harmonise the draft Jigawa State Right-of-way (RoW) and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulation, 2026.

He said the committee would ensure that the proposed regulation aligned with relevant state and federal laws, urban planning guidelines and telecommunications standards before its implementation.

The council, he said, approved N835 million for the procurement of emergency relief materials for the 2026 flood preparedness and response programme.

He said the approval covered the provision of food items, clothing materials and building materials, to ensure a timely response to potential flood incidents in vulnerable communities across the state.

Mr Musa said the council approved additional works valued at N155.38 million for the construction of the Jigawa State Mechanisation Company headquarters building in Dutse.

He said the approval brought the total contract sum for the project to N905.60 million, with the aim of strengthening agricultural mechanisation services and improving operational efficiency.

The commissioner said the council further approved the release of funds for the 2026 Jigawa investment summit.

According to Mr Musa, the summit is expected to provide a platform for engagement with local and international investors, development partners, financial institutions, business leaders and policymakers on investment opportunities.

“The initiative is part of efforts to attract investment, promote economic diversification and create employment opportunities in the state,” he said.

(NAN)