Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume has called for effective implementation of constituency and intervention projects in order to oil the growth of the economy assist government in key decision making process.
Senator Akume made the call Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ interactive forum with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of the 2020 zonal intervention/constituency projects.
The minister said his ministry is committed to overseeing the implementation of zonal intervention/constituency projects among other functions and tasked stakeholders to ensure all loops are plucked, through monitoring, to ensure effective running of government’s programmes.
He said the interactive forum was aimed at bringing stakeholders together on the critical roles expected of MDAs on guidelines on effective monitoring, evaluation and verification for payment of zonal intervention/constituency projects nationwide.
He stated that the forum is a platform to create a feedback mechanism that would fast track timely and transparent implementation of the projects for effective delivery and impact on the lives of people and accelerate development to the Nigerian citizenry.
“This is part of federal government’s commitment to ensuring that contracts are not just delivered but costs associated with maintenance are significantly reduced in addition to promoting local content. The goal is to ensure continuous usage, value for money and maximum benefits from the projects,” Akume said.
President of the Senate, Senator Akume maintained that his ministry is poised to implement this important decision in its monitoring and verification exercises in 202. He urged them to bring this to the notice of chief executive and procurement department. He pointed out that, this task demands collective efforts to materialize. “As stakeholders, we need to synergise and commit to this noble course.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan in his opening remark said Nigeria cannot undermine the importance of judicious use of resources where there are limited funds to actualise our many needs, especially as they relate to constituencies.
Lawan, represented by the Chairman, Senate committee on Special Duties, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf remarked that, “while we can achieve much more with prudence and openness in the application of resources, we will realise much less if we do not prevent wastage.”
He added that, government has been consistent in its anti-corruption drive, and achieving this requires a multi – sectoral approach, beginning with how we manage projects.
