The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Zamfara Chapter, has pledged support for anti-corruption efforts to foster good governance at the grassroots level.
The ALGON Chairman, Samaila Hassan, made the pledge during a two-day sensitisation programme for Council Chairmen organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Katsina Office on Tuesday in Gusau.
Hassan described the programme as timely and strategic, noting that it reinforces the collective responsibility to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in public service.
He said local governments are the tier of government closest to the people and are entrusted with public resources to deliver services through prudent management.
The ALGON chairman urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply lessons learned on budgeting, procurement and revenue management for effective service delivery.
According to him, ALGON is committed to continued collaboration with the ICPC and other stakeholders to align local government councils with best practices and national standards.
He added that the fight against corruption requires strong leadership, institutional discipline and commitment to integrity at all times.
Hassan commended the ICPC for driving anti-corruption awareness and building systems that deter malpractices.
The chairman assured the commission of ALGON’s continued cooperation and support to build resilient local government systems that would deliver development outcomes.
In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, said the sensitisation targeted public office holders at the local government level to promote transparency and accountability.
This, according to him, is in line with the ICPC’s preventive mandate under Section 6(b)-(f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Aliyu, represented by the Assistant Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in charge of Katsina and Zamfara States, Suleiman Muhammad, said the target audience included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, local government chairmen, and other officials.
Aliyu appreciated the commitment of the ministry and local government administrations for sponsoring the workshop and praised participants for attending.
He said: “The commission recognises the critical role of local government officials in ensuring corrupt-free administration at the grassroots level.
“The commission also expects a stronger working relationship with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Administrations, and the Zamfara Government.”
