ABSTRACT:

Local government administration has been adopted as the fundamental instrument for the acceleration and sustenance of rural development. It serves as a vehicle for political education and mobilization. Several efforts have been made towards moving the system from local administration to local government with functional political and economic autonomy. Despite the recent autonomy that local governments have gained in Nigeria, they are still faced with the challenge of educating citizens on the functions and responsibilities of their local government and its representatives. This makes it difficult for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. This article relays the findings of the implementation of #MyLGA Project in Niger State under the support of the Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF) in collaboration with Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria). The project is currently being implemented in 5 states of the federation. The project is aimed at bringing the community/citizens closer to their local administrative governance, as well as promoting transparency, accountability and responsiveness in local government administration.

INTRODUCTION:

Bida is the second largest city in Niger State in North central Nigeria with an estimated population of 178,840 people (2007). It is located southwest of Minna, capital of Niger State, and is a dry, arid town. There are several towns and villages in Bida, which include Pategi, Kutigi, Mokwa, Baddeggi, Katcha, Lemu, Lapai, and Enagi. The predominant tribe/ ethnic group in Bida is the Nupe ethnic division, as it is the headquarters of the Nupe Kingdom. In particular, the Etsu Nupe group (presently Etsu Yahaya Abubakar)  is the traditional ruler of the area. Islam is the widely practiced religion in Bida LGA with the Nupe language being the most prominent language. Key landmarks in the area include the Federal Polytechnic Bida and the Niger state school of Nursing, with one of the most popular festivals being the Durbar festival. The LGA consists of districts/Wards which includes Bariki, Cheniyan, Dokoodza, Ma’asaba A, Ma’asaba B, Masaga A, Masaga B, Umaru Majigi A, Umaru Majigi B, Landzun, Kyari, Nasarafu,  Mayaki Ndajiya and Wadata. 

The leadership style of the ancient town of Bida is emirship, and the head of the town is addressed as  Etsu Nupe. Other tribes include Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Igala and Gbagi, Ibira.

Geography of Bida:

Bida LGA occupies a total area of 1,698 square kilometres and has an estimated average temperature of 30 degrees celsius. The area has a humidity level of 31 percent while wind speed is put at 9 km/h. The landscape of Bida LGA is characterized by large expanses of dry, arid lands. Other landmark areas in Bida are  Bamisu estate, Ramatu dangana, ECWA poly road, Small Market, Main Market and the Federal Medical Centre (Bida) others. Some notable schools include the Federal Government Girls College Bida, Federal Polytechnic Staff Secondary School, Government College, Bida.

Economy of Bida

Agriculture is an important economic engagement of the people of Bida LGA with a plethora of crops cultivated in the area. Trade is also a critical part of the economy of Bida LGA with markets such as the Bida Main Market attracting thousands of buyers and sellers. Modern Bida is well known for its crafts, notably brass and copper goblets, glass beads and bangles, raffia hats and mats, and locally dyed cotton and silk cloth. The craftsmen work by hand on their own premises in distinctive wards and are organized into close-knit guilds. Bida is also known for its Durbar festival and the Nupe Day Festival. It is also the home to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Federal Medical Centre and Niger State School of Nursing.

Bida LGA EiE Nigeria Project Implementation:

Bida is one of the pioneering LGA’s in Niger State and  Nigeria as a whole where the MyLGA project was implemented. The project was sponsored by Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria) and anchored by the Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF). This project aims at providing community members with the tools needed to hold their representatives accountable. In the implementation of the project, several activities from Baseline assessment, Focus Group Discussions/Stakeholders engagements as well as Community engagements were held in the Bida LGA. On the commencement of the project, the LGA Chairman in person of Hon (Dr.) Suleiman B Sheshi was given a letter of consent and approval through which other executives as well as the Ward councilors were also contacted.

Through the activities highlighted above, the project provided a forum where community heads and stakeholders  could meet. These activities were held in  Mayaki Ndajiya and Bariki wards of Bida LGA, precisely in Efu Mayaki Community and Kangi Community in Mayaki Ndajiya Ward and Kangi Makun in Bariki ward of Bida LGA. The town hall meetings yielded positive outcomes for the EiE Nigeria project; several issues were raised such as the factors that hinder citizens from holding elected representatives accountable, as well as potential resolutions for this challenge.

Issues Highlighted

• Lack of need-assessments by local government officials before undertaking community projects.
• Lack of interaction with community members before budget preparations.
• Lack of proper education amongst representatives
• Lack of transparency from representatives
• High susceptibility of citizens to vote-buying
• Poor selection of of party flag bearers by delegates
• Poor communication processes between community members and  representatives

Resolutions

• Regular meetings amongst community members
• Selection of new, more competent community representatives to liaise with local government officials
• Improved communication strategies between community representatives and the ward counsellor and local government chairman, in  order to hold them accountable for community infrastructure and projects
• The use of town hall meetings/community meetings to dissuade community members from selling their votes

Information on BIDA LGA Executives

LIST OF BIDA LGA EXECUTIVE MEMBERS & THEIR CONTACT NUMBERS

Written By: SHEHU AHMED BABA
Edited by: EiE Media Team

January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Community Leader, Shuaibu Ibrahim
• Youth Leader, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu Labaran
• Women leader; Amina Abdulazeez
• Religious Leader, Alhaji Babayaro

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at sensitising the residents of the local government communities on how to improve on their relationship with their elected executives in order to promote the development of their communities. This entailed exposing them to the right ways to engage the right agencies on the community needs such as more schools, water, and good roads. Other major point of discussion was how to get access to the local government officials

One of the raised concerns of the community members is the unmet expectation of the local government in providing an enabling environment for both educated and uneducated people in the community.

In his speech, Alhaji Shuaibu Ibrahim, the community leader, urged participants to think of how they can contribute to the betterment of the country rather than always thinking of what the country can do for them. He emphasised the importance of trust, honesty, and modesty in governance, enjoining citizens to elect leaders who are known to be fair and just. 

Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, the Youth Leader, further cautioned the people to stop overburdening the local government officials on issues outside the constitutional provision of their roles and responsibilities. He emphasised that the government alone at all levels cannot provide all that the citizens require from it without citizens’ active participation in good governance. 

During the meeting, the woman leader, Hajjia Amina Abdulazeez, urged the women in the community to embrace hope and give room for development in the community.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• The local government officials do not care about their community.
• No school, road, or health centre in the community
• The local government officials are hostile in their engagement with the community members.

Resolution

• It was agreed that there will be a meeting between the community leader and the local government chairman
• The community leader promised to work with the NGO in order to foster development in the community.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• The meeting participants should be adequately rewarded.
• The meeting should address cogent issues that can effect instant change in the community.

28^th January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting

Special Guests:  

• Secretary to Mayakin Nupe, Mall Ladan Mohammed
• Chief Imam; Mayaki Ndajiya, Mall Abdullahi Mohammed
• Former State Youth Leader; Youth Stakeholder, Dauda Usman
• Community Vigilante, Alh Ladan Saidu

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials (political office holders). The meeting convened community members in Mayaki Ndajiya Community in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State and in the long run, it provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that not only affect them but also affects their community. Above all, it strengthened the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

This was followed by a welcome remark by the Community Leader – Mayakin Nupe of Efu Mayaki Ndajiya Community in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, who was ably represented by his Secretary, Mall Ladan Mohammed. Mall Ladan Mohammed in his opening remark appreciated all the community members for turning out to be part of this engagement in spite of the short notice. He further extended his appreciation to Mall Dauda Usman – one of the stakeholders in the Meeting for his tremendous contribution to the community. He relayed that Mallam Dauda Usman has been steadfast in the community by regularly bringing meaningful and developmental initiatives to the community. He then capped up his salutation by appreciating the supporters of the project and expressing optimism that this engagement will be fruitful. The Secretary after conveying the message of the Mayakin Nupe urged participants to think of how they can contribute to the betterment of the LGA and the State rather than relying solely on what the state can do for them. He emphasised the importance of trust, honesty, and modesty in governance, enjoining citizens to elect leaders who are known to be fair and just.

On the purpose of the meeting, the CJ covering Bida LGA – Mall Shehu Ahmed Baba relayed the objective of the programme to the participants and the essence of the meeting. In his submission, he stated that the project titled #MyLGA, led by Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EiENigeria) and co-ordinated by the Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF) is aimed at bringing governance closer to the community/citizens, promoting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in local government administration. He also shared that the idea for this intervention came when it was discovered that the majority of citizens were unaware of the names of their representatives, what is expected of the local administrators and above all, the challenge citizens encounter in having access to local executives. 

The keynote address was given by the Former State Youth Leader who is currently a principal stakeholder in Niger State Youth Council and an advocate and vanguard for Youth – Mall Dauda Usman. In his keynote address, he stated that the empowerment programme directly impacted more than 300 youths including women’s reproductive health in Bida Emirate Council of Niger State. He further added that this led to his conviction that the current project will of course be of tremendous support to not just the Community and the LGA but the State and the nation at large. He urged participants to be attentive and contribute meaningfully to the deliberation. He concluded his keynote address by reiterating that the programme is specifically on elected representatives  at the LGA level – the Counsellors and Chairman of the LGA

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Local Government officials do not conduct need assessment before undertaking any project in the community nor do they consult the citizens before preparing the budget.
• Majority of the LGA Executives, specifically Counsellors are not well educated and this affects their performance
• LGA officials do not play open door policy with the citizens that elect them to power.
• Electorates (Citizens) desire for money during the electioneering process grossly affects the selection of credible candidates.
• Selection of party flag bearers by delegates often leads to fielding unpopular and incompetent candidates across all parties.
• The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the schools in the ward are in a very bad state. Aboveall, there are no meaningful projects in the community.

Resolution

• The citizens of Mayaki Ndajiya agreed to revitalise their community engagement meetings by holding them regularly.
• The community will to set up fresh committees to represent the community and interphase with LGA officials for the community
• The Committee will write a letter to the Ward Counsellor and the Local Government Chairman informing him of the dilapidated structures in the community
• The  community will have meeting at intervals with the Ward Counsellor
• The community members delegated Mall Dauda to help collect phone numbers of the ward counsellor and the LGA Chairman.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• The need for adequate time for question and answer sessions will be considered in future meetings
• Forums for interphase between citizens with local government executives will be considered in future community engagement.
• There will be an arrangement for a conducive venue for subsequent engagement meetings.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.  

23rd January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Gunduman Bosso, Aliyu Abubakar
• Community leader, Tudun Fulani Gabas, Abdullahi Mohammed
• Women leader; Hajiya Larai Yakubu
• Councilor Representing Bosso Central II, Hon. Abdulrasheed Abdulrahman

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting is also to provide a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

During the meeting at Emir palace Bosso, the Gunduman Bosso, Mal. Aliyu Abubakar welcomed everyone present during the meeting. He told  the community members that the meeting is basically to enlighten them on the roles their LGA officials are supposed to play in the community. The Gunduma also urged them not to challenge anyone, they should ask their questions and also  think of how they can contribute to the betterment of the LGA. 

Mal Aliyu Abubakar of Bosso central II, Niger state,  reassured the people that the councilor representing their ward is on his way to the venue of the meeting, he advised them not to challenge him or  anyone at the cause of the  meeting. He emphasized that everyone is entitled to his/her opinion and they should make their suggestions politely.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• The citizens don’t see their LGA officials after they have been elected to power.
• Bosso central II are lacking water. This is a serious issue they are facing in their ward/community
• The LGA officials have never engaged the community members in a meeting (Town Hall meeting)

Resolution

• The councilor representing Bosso central II promised to table the issues of water to the local government Chairman and engage him on other issues raised by the citizens.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Nose mask should be made available for the meeting so as to observe covid19 protocols
• There should be a certain amount to be given to the mobilizer of the meeting

27^th January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Mai Ungwa, Salihu Jagaba Kuta
• Councillor Bangagiya Ward, Kuta, Hon. Gambo Ahmed

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect their lives directly, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

Welcome Address 

The welcome address was delivered by the community leader, Alhaji Salihu Jagaba Kuta. In his address, he welcomed the religious leaders, the Bangajiya Ward Council, citizen journalists, and the entire community members. He particularly thanked the sponsors of myLGA project for organising the community hall meeting and appreciated the community delegates and the entire participants for coming. He urged participants to freely express themselves and make meaningful contributions to the meeting.

Keynote Address

The Honourable Councillor representing Bangajiya ward, Hon. Gambo Ahmed gave the keynote address. In his speech, he thanked myLGA for organising this meeting and urged the participants to discuss solutions to the challenges confronting Shiroro LGA.

Challenges in the LGA

The community members outlined the major challenges that they encounter in the LGA, some of which include:

• The worsening security issue in Shiroro LG and the deactivation of the mobile network.
• The urgent attention that needs to be given to some of the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the LGA.
• Lack of potable water in the LGA, most especially in the Bangajiya ward in Kuta.
• Lack of government support for the small-scale business owners (youths and women).

Next Step

To offer possible solutions to the challenges outlined, a five-person committee including women and youth representatives was appointed to write a letter to the LG Chairman informing him of the challenges identified and follow up to ensure the issues are resolved. 

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.  

28^th January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Lambata ward Councilor, His Royal Highness Dr. Atta
• Izom Ward Party Chairman, Mr. Rabiu Muhd Damo
• Yarima Lambata, Dr. Sha’ayau Shehu Mafara
• Former ward councilor (Lambata), Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting aimed at getting to know happenings in the LG as a result of certain questions raised where citizens express themselves as regards some challenges faced in the LG. The platform also educates citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. 

In his opening speech, the Madaki of Lambata Ward welcomed everyone present at the event and charged elected officials present to contribute their quarter to the betterment of the LG in order to lessen the hardship people are going through as a result of poor performance on the part of the electorates. He further emphasized the importance of trust, honesty, and modesty in governance, where he pointed out that our actions today will be judged in this life and hereafter. 

The CJ led a brainstorming session by asking the people to point out challenges encountered in the community.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting:

• Poor supply of electricity over the past three months
• Lack of intervention/ support to aid farmers in the farming process.
• Need for prompt payment of teachers so as to encourage them to resume duties
• Poor medical services received in the hospital due to inadequate supply of commodities and issues around payment
• The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the local government area are in a very bad state.
• Lack of well-graded feeder roads.

Resolution

• The ward councilor promised to continue to work with the LG Chairman towards meeting some challenges raised.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Evidence to support some claim of allocation given to Local Government.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.  

22^nd January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• District Head, His Royal Highness
• Chairman, Community Association, Lapai Local Government, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari
• Daniya Lapai Emirates Councillors, Dr. Umar Makun Daniya
• Secretary to the Emir Lapai local Government, Alhaji Mamuda Haruna Shaba

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters affecting them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

In the declarative speech, Alhaji Mamuda Haruna Shaba and Dr. Umar Makun Daniya urged participants to think of how they can contribute to the betterment of the country rather than what the country can do for them. He emphasised the importance of trust, honesty, and modesty in governance, enjoining citizens to elect leaders who are known to be fair and just. 

Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari, District Head of Arewa Yamma Lapai Local Government further cautioned the people to stop overburdening the local government officials on issues outside the constitutional provision of their roles and responsibilities. He emphasised that the government alone at all levels cannot provide all that the citizens require from it without citizens’ active participation in good governance. 

During the meeting,  Umar Makun Daniya asked that the community determine what the Sole Administrator of the Local Government should do through their ward councillors who were also present at the town hall meeting.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• The local government officials do not consult the citizens before preparing the budget.
• Some of the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the local government area are in a very bad state.
• The local government officials are hostile in their engagement with the citizens.
• They don’t even have time to listen to what the community wants
• They make some decisions without the community’s knowledge. 
• Also, the community wants the LGA to clear the refuse disposed of by the community which has taken over the bridge and is becoming a threat to the community. 

Resolution

• The citizens of  Arewa Yawwa agreed to set up a committee that will write a letter to the LG Chairman informing him of the dilapidated structures in the primary schools and PHCs through the ward counsellor or district head
• Dr. Umar Makun Daniya also promised to visit the LG Chairman and engage him on the issues raised by the citizens.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• The community wishes to invite the LGA official for the next meeting.
• There will be an arrangement for an alternative power supply in case of a power outage during the town hall meeting.

22^nd January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Mai Angwa/ Village Head Kpaki Community,Mallam Mohammed Shako

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials (political post holders) and the importance of community engagement. The meeting which had in attendance residents of Kpaki community in Chanchaga LGA of Niger State granted the people the opportunity to relay their concerns and ask questions on matters that affect their community. Above all, the meeting aimed to strengthen their capacities to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by the community leader (Mai Angwa) Mallam Mohammed Shako. The meeting progressed as the CJ covering the Kpaki community of Chanchaga LG introduced herself alongside the supervisor. In the community leader’s declarative speech, he commended the effort of the CJ and added that he was hopeful that the meeting will yield positive results as there are plans to make the visit consistent.

The Mai Agwa in his speech expressed his grievances regarding the government’s negligence to the needs of the community and urged the participants to express their grievances as this is a platform where their voices can be projected to bring about the needed growth and the development of their community.

Keynote address

This was given by the youth leader, Mal Kaakaki Usman. In his address, he appreciated EiE Nigeria for the initiative and thanked the CJ and other supporters of the programme. He stated that the initiative will help the LGA officials to sit tight and understand the needs of the citizens across the local government. He also said it will help to eradicate the lack of open-door policy by LGA officials and open the business of government in the LGA to the citizens. He also urged the community members to feel free to air their views without fear of the LGA executives.  He then concluded that the outcome of the meeting will be submitted to the ward counsellor and the LGA Chairman.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting by community members

• The local government officials neglect the citizens after elections.
• Citizens have no access to information about governance at LGA level.
• No information on projects in the community.
• No evidence of dividends of democracy achieved in the community and ward
• No provision of polling centres around the community, electorates have to walk a long distance before they can cast their vote.
• No open door policy by the LG officials in relating with citizens.

Resolution

• The citizens of Kpaki agreed to do away with money sharing politics and henceforth select leaders on merit and integrity, especially leaders who have their interests at heart.
• Community members agreed to institute community engagement meetings with members intermittently going forward and provide feedback to the MyLGA Project team
• Members will meet with ward executives to call the Ward Counsellor to a meeting on issues bothering the community and the ward.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Political elites past and present and special dignitaries that have knowledge on issues of governance will be invited to participate.
• There will be ample time for better planning and arrangement for a better venue.

22^nd January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Representative of HRH, Emir of Kontagora, Engr. Muhammed Bashir (Secretary of the Emirate)
• Wakili, Dadin-Kowa, Representing Hon. Sani Garba. Councilor Gabas Ward, Sani Yahaya Gago
• Youth Leader, Dadin-Kowa, Kontagora, Mohammad Salihu
• Women Leader, Dadin-Kowa, Kontagora, Saadatu Attahiru

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was held on Saturday, the 22nd of January 2022 and its objective was to bring together select stakeholders and community members to dialogue on pertinent issues affecting their community. It was also aimed at building their capacities to advance advocacy and community mobilisation between the people and their representatives at the LGA level while simultaneously fostering accountability in governance at the local level.

Beyond reasonable doubt, it is revealed that the community members engage with their local governments and authorities but seldom yield the desired results, largely due to the lack of knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of government officials, hence, most interventions are targeted at the inappropriate government officials/recipients/authorities. 

Furthermore, it was evident that citizens don’t understand the proper channel of communication with their local government officials, which also constitutes a hindrance in advocating for their rights and holding the government accountable.

The Secretary to the Emirate, Engr. Muhammed Bashir, who represented His Royal Highness (HRH) The Emir of Kontagora, applauded the efforts put in place by all parties of the MyLGA Project, and he reminded the youths that they’re the foundation of society and should meaningfully and lawfully engage with governments to advance development in their communities. He admonished them to be good ambassadors of their communities and society at large and not tools for propagating mayhem or political thuggery. 

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• There is a general issue of lack of basic/essential amenities including power supply, potable water that favour respiratory illnesses in the community and very poor road networks.
• The Primary Health Centre (PHCs) are in a very bad state and the staff are not punctual.
• The local government officials are not truthful/candid in their reports to the state government, which escalates the hardships of citizens.
• Communities don’t have any structured platform/channel for engaging with local government.

Resolutions

• The citizens of Dadin-Kowa to form a committee tasked with interfacing with local government officials/authorities.
• The committee will also investigate the roles and responsibilities of their local government officials and the proper channels of communication.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• The town hall meetings should be more centralised and logistics be improved so as to have good participation of relevant stakeholders.
• There is a need for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to facilitate/adhere to COVID-19 protocols.