By Lawal Gwanda
The Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the poor supervision and monitoring of projects by Local Government Directors of Works across the state.
This reaction followed a recent inspection tour carried out by the Special Adviser across several Local Government Areas, during which he observed multiple irregularities some of which appeared to be deliberate acts of negligence.
Addressing the Directors during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Conference Hall, Hon. Safana cautioned them against relying on contractors’ verbal assurances regarding project completion timelines, stressing that “actions should speak louder than words.”
He noted that despite being the first group of local government officials he had engaged on their responsibilities, many Directors had deviated from their duties demonstrating, in his words, “a lack of seriousness and commitment to the job entrusted to them.”
Hon. Safana further warned that he would no longer tolerate the submission of misleading reports on project completion. He announced that new measures would soon be implemented to strengthen accountability and eliminate administrative laxity.
“Government is investing heavily in Local Government Councils. These funds are meant to serve the people through projects and essential services. A significant portion of the funds goes to the Works and Administration Departments, while projects under Agriculture and Health are often jointly funded with the State Government,” he emphasized.
The Special Adviser therefore urged the Directors to re-dedicate themselves to their responsibilities, calling for renewed commitment to ensure the success of government programs at the grassroots level.
Following the meeting, the State Chairman of the LGAs Directors of Works Forum, Alhaji Shehu Mamuda, commended the Special Adviser’s determination and assured him of their readiness to work diligently in line with government expectations.
Project Implementation Committees to Be Formed in All LGAs
In a related development, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana announced the establishment of Project Implementation Committees across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state to enhance transparency, quality control, and value in project execution.
Speaking to journalists in his office, the Special Adviser explained that the initiative aims to address administrative lapses and strengthen oversight in local government project management.
According to him, each Committee will comprise the Supervisory Councillor for Works, the Secretary to the Local Government, the Local Government Inspector, the LGA Internal Auditor, and other relevant Heads of Units.
He clarified that the Committee’s primary responsibility is to verify, authenticate, and endorse project completion certificates before final approval.
“Henceforth, no Certificate of Project Completion issued by any Director of Works will be accepted as valid until it has been reviewed and certified by the Committee,” Hon. Safana declared..
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