SGF wants transparency in constituency projects

The Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Dr Habiba Muda Lawal has call for transparency and thoroughness in the execution of Zonal Intervention/Constituency projects nationwide to ensure rapid development in the country. She made the call in Abuja at the 3rd Stakeholders Forum on Implementation of Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects which […]

The Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Dr Habiba Muda Lawal has call for transparency and thoroughness in the execution of Zonal Intervention/Constituency projects nationwide to ensure rapid development in the country.

She made the call in Abuja at the 3rd Stakeholders Forum on Implementation of Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects which was also attended by representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders.

Mrs Lawal represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office in the Office the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mr William Alo, said that the forum was for stakeholders to brainstorm on mechanism that would fast track the implementation of constituency projects.

She said that stakeholders would develop ideas on effective procedure for monitoring, evaluation and verification for payment purposes of the projects to forestall poor or non-implementation of the projects.

“A constituency projects is noble one conceived to assist members of the National Assembly as elected representatives of the people to facilitate development of their constituencies. Thus, if they are executed with all amount of sincerity by the stakeholders, they would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry. This task may not be easy but we shall not leave any stone unturned to ensure that this dream is realized,” she said.

According to her while the MDAs are responsible for the implementation of the projects, the OSGF monitors, evaluate, verify implementation and authorize payments at various stages of execution.

While saying that constituency projects were previously not being properly monitored, she said that there will be a turnaround as these are tax payers’ money that must be accounted for.

Speaking earlier the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, OSGF Mr William Alo, said that his office was currently charged to oversee the implementation of zonal/constituency projects.

Alo represented by the Director Policy Implementation and Monitoring Decisions, OSGF Mrs Annette Asugha, said that a committee has been set up to ensure adequate monitoring.

He said, “A strong committee has been set up and has the duty to visit all project sites wherever it is located. Visiting the sites is a daily affair and they monitor the projects closely from conception to completion. When this is fine the value for money for these projects must be achieved.”