Communique issued by Kogi Accountability Platform

Communique Issued At The End Of The 1-day Quarterly State Of Kogi Meeting Organized By The Kogi Accountability Platform Held At Ingra Office, Lokoja On Friday, April 11, 2025

BACKGROUND

The Kogi Accountability Platform (KAP) is a coalition of over 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), professional organizations, and community-based groups dedicated to monitoring and assessing governance performance in Kogi State. Our mission is to enhance civic participation and promote sustainable development through effective service delivery to citizens. This platform is effectively supported by Stallion Times.

This gathering served to evaluate citizen perceptions regarding the state government’s performance across key sectors impacting daily life and to develop actionable recommendations for improving service delivery.

The meeting was attended by more than 20 organizations, including NGOs, community-based groups, professional bodies, and media representatives. Participants engaged in plenary discussions, budget analysis sessions, and a question-and-answer segment focused on service delivery.

OBSERVATIONS

The Kogi Accountability Platform made the following observations during the meeting:

1. Governance Intentions:
   The current administration has demonstrated a genuine commitment to citizen-centered governance through various pronouncements and initiatives.
2. Political Climate:
   The political environment in Kogi State has stabilized, with reduced tensions compared to previous administrations.
3. Civic Engagement:
   There has been an increase in civic engagement by the government, particularly concerning budget processes and water resource management.
4. Service Delivery Concerns:
   Despite significant budgetary allocations for 2025, many government service providers are falling short of citizens’ expectations.
5. Lack of Townhall Meetings:
   Promised townhall meetings by the Governor have not yet occurred, limiting direct citizen engagement.
6. Transportation Challenges:
   Following the removal of fuel subsidies, the government’s plan for a mass transport system has not materialized, leaving residents vulnerable to exploitative private transport operators.
7. Water Access Issues:
   Large segments of the population still lack access to potable drinking water, relying on boreholes and streams despite the state’s vast water resources.
8. Education Financing:
   Many public schools continue to impose significant fees on parents under the guise of PTA, undermining the government’s commitment to free education.
9. Waste Management Crisis:
   Lokoja suffers from inadequate waste management infrastructure, contributing to public health risks and environmental degradation.
10. Improper Waste Disposal:
    The absence of designated waste dump sites has led to hazardous waste being disposed of haphazardly, including in waterways.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In light of these observations, the Kogi Accountability Platform recommends the following urgent actions:

1. Overhaul Waste Management:
   The Kogi State Waste Management Agency must be restructured to implement effective waste disposal systems and establish strategic waste dump sites in Lokoja and other urban areas.
2. Medical Waste Management:
   The Ministry of Health should establish a medical waste disposal facility in Lokoja to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
3. Mass Transit Implementation:
   The State Ministry of Transportation must develop a mass transit scheme to alleviate transportation challenges faced by citizens, particularly in Lokoja.
4. Townhall Meetings:
   Governor Usman Ododo should convene senatorial townhall meetings to engage directly with constituents and gather feedback on his administration. Promise made should be duly kept.
5. Governor’s Visibility:
   The Governor should balance his travel commitments with his responsibilities at home, ensuring greater presence and visibility within the state.
6. Education Oversight:
   The State Ministry of Education must intensify monitoring of school authorities to enforce compliance with free education policies.
7. Enhanced Water Infrastructure Funding:
   Increased budgetary allocations to the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources are essential for improving access to potable water statewide.

This communique reflects our commitment to fostering accountability and improving governance in Kogi State. We urge the state government to take these recommendations seriously for the betterment of our communities.

Signed

Hamza Aliyu
Chairman,
Kogi Accountability Platform (KAP)