The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, has stressed the importance of supporting local government chairmen with actionable feedback and institutionalizing the separation of powers to ensure transparency and accountability.

In his New Year message made available to our reporter in Taraba State on Thursday, Lawal called for unity, progress, and the strengthening of democratic governance across Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.

“Supporting chairmen with meaningful feedback and institutionalizing the separation of powers are critical steps to ensure accountability and transparency in our governance,” Lawal said.

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment, alongside the National Executive Council (NEC), Board of Trustees (BOT), management, and staff, to enhancing service delivery, accountability, and democratic governance at the grassroots level.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024, he lauded the Supreme Court’s pivotal judgment and the successful conduct of local government elections in over 15 states.

“2024 was a year of remarkable strides for ALGON, marked by the Supreme Court judgment, the conduct of LG elections in over 15 states, and two peaceful leadership transitions, showcasing our commitment to constitutional imperatives.”

He also noted ALGON’s strides in securing visibility on the national stage through collaborations with high-level organizations and international partners.

Highlighting ALGON’s peaceful leadership transitions within the past year, Lawal praised the adherence to constitutional imperatives that guided these changes.

Outlining a strategic roadmap for mobilizing local government chairmen toward best practices, fostering selfless service to communities, and enhancing administrative proficiency through the domestication of peer reviews, he stressed the importance of supporting chairmen with actionable feedback and institutionalizing the separation of powers to ensure transparency and accountability.

While urging Nigerians to remain united, resilient, and committed to supporting local governments in fostering democratic principles and improving rural communities, he underscored the role of collective determination in advancing the nation’s development in the year ahead.

“In 2025, our focus will be on mobilizing chairmen for best practices, promoting selfless service to constituents, and enhancing proficiency through peer review at the local level.”

2025: ALGON President calls for unity, transparency