The year 2024 marked a turning point in bridging the gap between governance and grassroots communities in the North Central Region. Guided by the vision of inclusion, collaboration, and sustainable development, my office initiated transformative programs to address critical challenges, amplify citizens’ voices, and foster community-driven solutions. From the establishment of the Citizens’ Assembly to impactful initiatives in education, health, and infrastructure, our efforts were rooted in the principles of accountability, innovation, and shared responsibility.
In March 2024, our survey revealed a concerning disconnect between the Federal Government and local communities in the North Central Region. Nearly 48% of respondents perceived a lack of engagement from the Federal Government, while 78% felt unrepresented in policy decisions. More than two-thirds noted that community voices were often excluded from project planning. Yet, nearly 90% expressed optimism in the power of co-creation to achieve contextually relevant and sustainable solutions.
These findings laid the foundation for the Citizens’ Assembly (a platform that ensures citizens’ voices are amplified and their needs addressed collaboratively), and other initiatives like the Listening Tour of the North-Central. The Citizens’ Assembly fosters an inclusive society where volunteers represent every ward across the six states in the North Central region, along with the FCT. These volunteers serve as agents of change, identifying local challenges, proposing solutions, and ensuring these are escalated to the highest levels of governance.
During the Listening Tour (an initiative designed to bridge the gap between government and citizens, especially at the grassroots level), we organized eight town hall meetings, engaging with over 6,000 participants. These events were attended by two deputy governors, speakers and members of state houses of assembly, more than 40 commissioners and advisers to governors, representatives from the police, military, and other security agencies, over 10 first-class traditional rulers, more than 50 academics, over 100 community-based organizations, associations, and informal networks, as well as other key stakeholders. Also, we held 7 sessions of the Citizens’ Assembly, which brought community members, volunteers, political, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders under one roof to discuss challenges in their communities and government intervention.
Our journey so far has been impactful. Through the Citizens’ Assembly, we are addressing critical issues ranging from potable water scarcity to community development. In Nasarawa and Kwara States, effort is been made to drill borehole to provide clean water. We are currently in partnership with Nestle Nigeria to install water treatment plants in 16communities in Abaji , Kwali and Kuje Area councils and train youths to operate them. This initiative aims to provide clean, potable water to residents who currently endure long, early morning treks in search of water—posing serious security risks and keeping children out of school. In Plateau and Benue State, we supported Nagohom Community and NKST Primary School with toilet facilities. Additionally, the Assembly facilitated repairs of critical infrastructure, including addressing erosion along the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway and prioritizing the rehabilitation of the Jos-Kaduna Road. Also, the assembly came up with a comprehensive report on the deplorable roads across the North Central region in need of rehabilitation which has been submitted to the Hon. Minister for works for further action. In the same vein, we also came up with a comprehensive report on electricity challenges which has been submitted to the Rural Electrification Agency, and over 80 Community Reports on issues affecting the North Central region of Nigeria, especially in rural communities, which are being addressed by the appropriate quarters.
Acting on a community report by one of our volunteers about L.E.A Primary School, AFA 2, Kuje Area Council—a remote school on the boundary with Toto LGA, Nasarawa State, a school rebuilt by communityeffort, With just 2 mud classrooms and over 80 pupils and only 4 teachers, with pupils lacking uniforms, books, writing materials, toilets, or even proper seating—they sit on cold floors to learn, under our education outreach program, we donated 55 uniforms, 384 books, and over 100 writing materials, and have gotten the attention of the Area Council Administration to provide a more befitting learning environment for the pupils.
Through the Citizens’ Assembly, my office has Fully funded the registration of 100 youths’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This was following complains of the inability of many youths to access the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund due to unregistered businesses. We also established a strategic partnership with the CAC, which has helped many Nigerian youths register their businesses with ease and at a discounted rate across Nigeria to enable them have access to grants, loans and many opportunities for small and medium scale enterprises.
Volunteers have gone beyond identifying challenges—they have driven meaningful engagements. For instance, in Niger State, they contributed to discussions on the 2025 budget during a grassroots consultation organized by the Ministry of Budget Planning. Meanwhile, creative initiatives like “Salon Gist” and “Barber’s Shop Talk” have transformed informal spaces into hubs for governance dialogue, ensuring even the most marginalized voices are heard.
This initiative is not just about solving problems but also about fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and inclusion. Reports from our volunteers have led to swift action by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring that government policies and programs are aligned with the real needs of our people. Such outcomes are proof that the gap between government and citizens can be bridged through strategic engagement.
In the course of the year, my office also launched the Community Peace Initiative to foster social cohesion and bring lasting harmony to the North Central; Community Health Support Initiative, to register 100 vulnerable individuals from the informal sector for the National Health Insurance Scheme for free; reached over 5,000 families in underserved communities across the North Central with palliatives (food supplies); and registered over 5,000 vulnerable households for the Household Upliftment Programme of the Federal Government. We carried out a campaign: “Malaria Beyond Bed Net” in Jos, Plateau state in commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day, where over 2,000 people were reached with awareness on prevention, testing, medications, and Insecticide Treated Nets.
With support from MacArthur Foundation and Agora Policy, we implemented The Policy Support, Deepening, and Engagement (PSDE) project from October to December 2024. The project seeks to create structured platforms for ongoing dialogue between local communities and the Federal Government, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in governance.
Over the course of the three-month project, we achieved significant milestones in fostering community engagement and strengthening the relationship between government and citizens. Among these milestones were the successful organization of two town hall meetings, the formal launch of the Citizens’ Assembly in Niger State, and the facilitation of physical sessions of the Citizens’ Assembly across multiple strategic locations. These locations included Gboko in Benue State, Shendam in Plateau State, Keffi in Nasarawa State, Abaji and Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Idah in Kogi State, Moro in Kwara State, and Bida in Niger State.
Through these activities, we engaged participants, representing a diverse mix of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, state and local government officials, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), volunteers, and members of the community. This diverse participation underscores the inclusivity of the project and its focus on bringing together key actors to drive meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
The outcomes of these activities have been profound. By fostering open and participatory discussions, we have strengthened community engagement and enhanced the responsiveness of government institutions to local needs. Furthermore, the sessions have empowered participants with the knowledge and tools to actively contribute to decision-making processes, thereby building local capacity. The Citizens’ Assembly also served as a crucial feedback mechanism for policy development, providing government stakeholders with valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of the communities they serve. This two-way communication has not only increased transparency but also laid the groundwork for more effective and sustainable governance.
Overall, the project has made significant strides in bridging the gap between the government and the people, promoting trust, collaboration, and shared accountability in the pursuit of inclusive development.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, it is clear that collaboration is the cornerstone of meaningful change. I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his exemplary leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which provided the framework for these impactful initiatives. To our dedicated volunteers, steadfast partners, and all stakeholders who contributed their time, resources, and expertise, your commitment has been invaluable. Together, we have not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let us continue to strive for excellence and unity as we work towards a prosperous 2025 and beyond.
