- Declare a State of Emergency on Urban Water Supply
Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), the apex coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating across the state, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his outstanding performance in major sectors of the economy.
Appraising Governor Ododo’s two years in office, KONGONET identified critical challenges and unmet campaign promises.
According to the statement signed by KONGONET’s chairman, Hamza Aliyu and Secretary, Reuben Joshua, the coalition group assessed the government’s performance and outlined priority actions for the remaining two years of the tenure of the current administration.
The coalition of CSOs noted that despite recorded achievements, significant gaps remain, particularly in areas that were central to Governor Ododo’s campaign promises.
It said based on Governor Ododo’s campaign promises, one major expectation was the institutionalization of regular town hall meetings across the state to enable direct engagement with citizens.
“Two years into the administration, such forums remain irregular and largely symbolic, limiting meaningful citizen direct engagement with the elected governor, limiting input into policy and project decisions.” the statement read.
KONGONET urged Governor Ododo to institutionalize quarterly town hall meetings across senatorial districts to rebuild trust and ensure citizen voices inform governance as contained in his 2023 electioneering campaign manifesto.
KONGONET insisted that public procurement processes are yet to become fully transparent as citizens and CSOs continue to raise concerns about limited access to procurement plans and contract details; weak oversight of project execution; insufficient disclosure of contractors and project costs.
The coalition tasked government to publish annual procurement plans, contract awards, project implementation status and the state financial commitment in accessible formats.
The apex body of CSOs lamented that water situation in Lokoja, the state capital, has reached an alarming level.
“Many residents depend on unsafe water sources or expensive private vendors. Similar challenges exist in other urban centres, undermining public health and quality of life,” it affirmed.
KONGONET call for a declaration of a State of Emergency on urban water supply by prioritizing sustainable water solutions for Lokoja and other cities through rehabilitation of waterworks and transparent partnerships.
The coalition decried poor waste management in the state which has become one of the most visible governance failures, particularly in Lokoja.
“Uncollected refuse, blocked drainages, and indiscriminate dumping have earned the capital the unfortunate reputation of being ‘the dirtiest state capital’ in the country. This poses serious environmental and public health risks.”
On the prevailing poor transport system, KONGONET observed that Kogi state occupies a strategic geographic position in Nigeria, serving as a major gateway between the North and South and hosting two of the country’s most important rivers—the rivers Niger and the Benue.
It noted, however, that despite this advantage, the state continues to experience significant transport challenges, particularly in road and inland water transportation, which constrain economic growth, service delivery, trade, and citizens’ quality of life across urban and rural communities.
“Despite the humongous advantages in Kogi State transport sector, Lokoja, the State Capital is without any form of Mass Transit system. Citizens are still at the mercy of ‘Shylock’ private operators who capitalize on the clumsy transport sector nature of the state to extort poor Kogites. This is evident on “market days” where students and market men and women are left stranded.” it said.
KONGONET urged Governor Ododo to develop a viable Mass Transit system, especially in Lokoja, the State Capital, that will comprise an integrated road, water transport system. Also, government must, as a policy issue, provide a SUBSIDIZED Mass Transport for citizens to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy as demonstrated by the Federal Government.
The coalition of CSOs commended Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for notable progress in infrastructure, health engagement, agriculture, security collaboration, and openness to civic engagement in his first two years in office.
It noted, however, that persistent challenges in water supply, waste management, citizen participation, and procurement transparency threaten to undermine public confidence.
“As the administration enters its final two years, decisive action on these issues will not only demonstrate positive governance outcomes but will also shape citizens’ perceptions ahead of future electoral contests.
“KONGONET remains committed to constructive engagement and stands ready to work with the Kogi State Government to advance accountable, inclusive, and people-centred governance.”
