By Samuel Ogidan
The federal government yesterday said the significance of Nigeria joining the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) was to have access to funds and to address the menace of poverty and unemployment.
Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said this at a four-day programme of Commonwealth Local Government Forum and Associated meetings in Abuja.
He said: “The significance of Nigeria’s membership is in enhancing amongst others sourcing of support of development partners, in capacity building and exchange of experiences among various stakeholders.
“It also includes access to funds, international linkage and the accompanying support to build infrastructure and basic facilities in order to empower local communities in the effort towards addressing the menace of poverty and unemployment.”
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Taiye Haruna, stated that democratically elected local government officials had the comparative advantage of opportunities to meet the needs and could best take advantage of opportunities to meet the needs in the most suitable way.
“The fact remains that democratically elected leaders are in a better position to give voice to community needs and facilitate the right environment for local development.”
In his welcome remarks, the United Nations resident coordinator, Mr Daouda Toure, said in line with the UNDP global mandate of partnering with people and governments at all levels to help build resilient nations, and to drive and sustain growth that improves the quality of life for everyone.
He said the forum presented an opportunity for local government functionaries to critically dissect issues and come up with important recommendations that are already impacting positively on local government administration in Nigeria.
