Platform Calls For Overhaul Of Waste Management Agency

The Kogi Accountability Platform has called for an overhaul of waste management. It says the Agency must be restructured to implement effective waste disposal systems and establish strategic waste dump sites in Lokoja and other urban areas.

This was contained in the communique issued at the end of the one-day quarterly State of Kogi meeting organised by the Kogi Accountability Platform, held at the office of the Initiative for Grass Roots Advancement (INGRA) in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

In the communique signed by Hamza Aliyu, chairman,

Kogi Accountability Platform (KAP) stressed that the Ministry of Health should establish a medical waste disposal facility in Lokoja to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The communique further stated that in addition to providing waste disposal sites, the State Ministry of Transportation must develop a robust mass transit scheme to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by citizens, particularly in Lokoja, the state capital.

It added that the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, should convene senatorial town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts of the state to engage directly with constituents and gather feedback on his administration. He said that the promise he made during his electioneering campaign should be duly kept.

The statement reads in part, “The governor should balance his travel commitments with his responsibilities at home, ensuring greater presence and visibility within the state.

“The State Ministry of Education must intensify monitoring of school authorities to enforce compliance with free education policies.”

It added that an increase in the budgetary allocations to the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources is essential for improving access to potable water statewide.

The group observed that the current administration had demonstrated a genuine commitment to citizen-centred governance through various pronouncements and initiatives. It said that the political environment in Kogi State has stabilised, with reduced tensions compared to previous administrations.

“The government has increased civic engagement, particularly concerning budget processes and water resource management.

“Despite significant budgetary allocations for 2025, many government service providers are falling short of citizens’ expectations.”

More than 20 organisations, including NGOs, community-based groups, professional bodies, and media representatives, attended the meeting. Participants engaged in plenary discussions, budget analysis sessions, and a question-and-answer segment focused on service delivery.