Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to implementing local government autonomy as a means of deepening democracy and accelerating development at the grassroots level.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted this yesterday in Abuja when the National Forum of Ex-Councilors led by its President, Mr. Auwal Kassim Hassan, paid him a courtesy visit to his office.

He said their autonomy and the ability to function very well would strengthen democracy at the grassroots and also promote development at that level.

“The local government, which is the third tier of government, is actually the closest to the people of Nigeria and that is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom revisited the issue of autonomy for the local government councils. You are aware that some time last year, an interpretation was sought by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice at the Supreme Court and there was this pronouncement from the highest court in the land indicating that there is indeed, as enshrined in our constitution, the need for the local government councils to be autonomous; to be independent and also function in all ramifications, whether it’s political or financial,” Idris said.

He recalled that local government councils which once functioned effectively as the third tier of government had been significantly weakened.

“Over the years, we have witnessed the whittling down of the ability of the local government councils to function as enshrined in our constitution.

“The President, being a very strong democrat, believes that for our democracy to advance to the level that we want it to be, the strengthening of that tier of government is essential.

“Democracy is the best form of government and we would not want a situation where the local government will be weakened,” he said.

The minister urged state governors to collaborate with President Tinubu to restore local government councils to the structure and purpose originally envisioned by the framers of the Nigerian constitution.

Idris also thanked the former councillors for their commitment to democracy and informed them that President Tinubu was implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring Nigeria to a path of economic growth and sustainable development.

Nestlé Nigeria Collaborates with FG To Drive Nationwide Water Quality Campaign

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure safer water for all Nigerians, Nestlé Nigeria is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a

National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign aimed at raising awareness, educating communities, and mobilising multi-stakeholder action around water safety and sustainable water practices.

The collaboration, announced in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved access to clean water and sanitation.

At the meeting, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, welcomed the partnership, noting its importance in tackling persistent public health threats such as cholera and diarrhea while also addressing challenges related to flooding and climate resilience.

He assured the ministry’s full support for Nestlé’s campaign and pledged timely collaboration to deliver impactful results.

“The ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country. This partnership is in line with our mission to ensure safe water access and support the health and well-being of all Nigerians.”

Speaking on the company’s role, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said: “Water is essential to life, yet millions of Nigerians remain at risk due to unsafe water sources. Our campaign is not just about raising awareness, it’s about shifting behaviours and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact. We’re working across communities, industries, and institutions to help close the knowledge gap, improve

water safety, and support national health outcomes.”

She emphasised that the campaign rests on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action.

Providing additional perspective, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, shared details of the initiative’s community reach.

“We are taking a long-term, impact-led approach. In Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from water quality interventions, while eight communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included. In addition, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and food production.”

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the ministry and OPS-WASH, reaffirming cross-sector commitment to accelerating access to clean, safe water for all Nigerians.

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