Concerns over water shortages, poor roads and youth unemployment dominated discussions at a civic forum organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Sagnarigu Municipality, as residents were urged to take a more active role in demanding transparency and accountability from public officials.
The engagement, held under the theme “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption,” formed part of the Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union.
Participants raised pressing local issues including irregular water supply, poor road infrastructure, healthcare delivery gaps, inadequate educational facilities and concerns about corruption in public administration.
Mr. Abdulai Soale, Sagnarigu Municipal Director of the NCCE, stressed that sustainable development depends on citizens’ active participation in governance and respect for the rule of law. He encouraged residents to use lawful and non-partisan approaches to hold duty bearers accountable and demand transparency in the use of public resources.
A presentation by Mr. Abdul Wahab Abdul Wasiu of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) educated participants on constitutional rights to information and available complaint mechanisms for addressing maladministration and corruption. He urged citizens to utilise state institutions to seek redress when necessary.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Abdulai Imoro Gong reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparent procurement, responsible financial management and open engagement with residents.
To ensure follow-up on concerns raised, a Social Auditing Committee was constituted, comprising representatives from the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, Assembly Members, the Municipal Assembly, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), traditional authorities and the NCCE.
The forum highlighted growing public demand for improved service delivery and stronger accountability mechanisms at the local level.
