The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, made the declaration on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while presenting the outcome of a statewide project inspection tour covering all 17 local government areas.
The inspection, according to the commissioner, was designed to assess how local governments have utilised funds released for projects, determine the quality of completed and ongoing infrastructure and establish whether council activities align with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s grassroots development agenda.
Gar said the ministry embarked on the exercise as part of its oversight responsibility to ensure accountability in local government administration, particularly in the utilisation of public resources for community development.
He maintained that the findings showed that the council chairmen had made significant efforts in delivering projects that address the needs of their respective communities.
“I am pleased to report that the 17 Council Chairmen have not disappointed the ‘Time is Now’ administration. Providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration. From what we have seen, governance has truly been taken closer to the people,” he said.
Among the major projects highlighted were the 23-kilometre Gugur Road construction in Kanke, a 1,500-capacity event hall in Mangu, a 200-capacity anatomy laboratory at Plateau State University, Bokkos, and several primary healthcare centres across the state.
The inspection also covered rural electrification projects, solar-powered streetlights, motorised boreholes, ICT centres, modern markets, council secretariat complexes, bridges and community town halls.
In the Southern Zone, the ministry inspected projects including youth centres, mini stadiums, computer-based test centres, legislative chambers, housing estates for legislators and the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station. The team also assessed facilities provided in support of the Nigerian Army’s 175 Infantry Motorcycle Battalion.
In the Northern Zone, attention was given to healthcare facilities in Sabon Gari, Chinye-Miango, Garba Daho and Furaka, rural electrification projects in Miango, markets at Rishari-Rutara and Zarakon, and bridges linking Farin Gada to Rusau and Vwang to Kogot.
The commissioner said the projects demonstrated the commitment of local governments to infrastructure development, service delivery and improving living conditions at the grassroots.
However, he did not provide a detailed financial breakdown of funds released to the 17 councils, the amounts expended on individual projects, or the specific cost and completion status of the projects inspected.
Gar said the ministry would continue to monitor local government activities, provide technical guidance and strengthen accountability in the administration of councils.
He also identified improved collaboration between the state government, local councils and traditional institutions as essential to achieving sustainable grassroots development.
The inspection involved the ministry’s management team, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, media representatives and civil society organisations.
The commissioner thanked Governor Mutfwang for allowing local governments to operate without interference and commended the council chairmen and other stakeholders who participated in the exercise.
