Business As Usual Is Over In Jigawa Local Governments

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful. I am honoured to address you at this vital sensitisation workshop organised by the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. The theme, “Integrity and Accountability: Protecting Public Trust and the Role of Local Governments in Implementing JSPCACC’s Mandate,” highlights our shared responsibility. I believe it will go a long way in sensitising senior officials from the Local Government Councils on the Commission’s key duties and related governance issues, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and accountability.

As I stated upon taking the oath of office, we regard the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Jigawa State as a sacred responsibility which we are duty-bound to fulfil with utmost responsiveness. The oath we have sworn serves as a performance bond to nearly 8 million citizens of Jigawa State, committing us to safeguard their resources, address their needs, and uphold their trust as a sacred obligation.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we stand poised for meaningful change in our State. Our “Greater Jigawa” vision is guided by a strategic 12-point agenda covering key areas such as agricultural transformation, human capital development, ICT, sustainable livelihoods, and infrastructure. Above all, we prioritise good governance. Without it, our efforts risk being undermined, much like a structure weakened by corruption and lack of accountability.

Honourable Chairmen and officials, as leaders of our 27 Local Governments, you are at the forefront of delivering progress to our citizens. Programmes such as agricultural revitalisation and improved health services must benefit local farmers and communities directly. You are the vital link connecting government initiatives to the everyday lives of the people. The farmer in Guri, the trader in Maigatari, and the student in Birnin Kudu rely on you far more than they do on the Governor.

Non-performance by the Local Governments will no doubt slow down our progress. A corruption-free Local Government system, where public resources are efficiently and judiciously managed, will accelerate our progress towards the realisation of our Greater Jigawa vision. True development starts from the grassroots and must be built on the bedrock of integrity and accountability. Our “Greater Jigawa” vision cannot be built with leaky buckets.

Just as we regard our mandate as a sacred trust, so too must the leadership of our Local Governments view their positions as an inviolable public obligation. Your oath of office is not merely ceremonial; it stands as a binding commitment for which you will answer both to the people and before God. Public expenditure and financial management must be approached with diligence and strict adherence to due process. The management of Local Government treasuries must be guided by transparency, accountability, and the unwavering principle that every kobo spent serves the genuine interests of the public, leaving no room for mismanagement or personal gain. We are in an era where every public resource must be transparently accounted for and every project must be clearly evident to the people.

Since inaugurating the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in February 2024, we have sent a clear message: corruption in Jigawa is now a high-risk, low-reward venture. Our administration has deliberately empowered the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. We have done this because of our unwavering commitment to serve the people with the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that public trust is protected and that every action taken is in the best interest of our citizens.

I am proud to note that in just one and a half years, this Commission has recovered over ₦385 million in public and private funds. It has also received over 400 complaints and resolved many of them, including 107 cases through peaceful mediation. This record is a testament that in this administration, there are no sacred cows.

Let me emphasise that the JSPCACC is not a tool for witch-hunting. It is a partner in excellence. Through implementing the JSPCACC mandates, you are not just avoiding trouble; you are adopting a global standard of governance that ensures every kobo delivers real results, provides justice and a voice for the disadvantaged, and establishes systems that endure beyond our terms.

It is a misconception to regard this Commission as an adversary when, in fact, it serves as your shield. By upholding integrity, you are protected from unfounded allegations through its thorough and professional investigations. Conversely, should anyone treat the public trust carelessly, the Commission will act decisively to enforce accountability.

Our Charge to the Local Governments

As Governor, I reaffirm our commitment to integrity and discipline in public service. Jigawa is among the least indebted states, yet among the top performers in providing social services and development to citizens, primarily due to prudent resource management — a standard I expect all 27 Local Government Councils to uphold.

As you participate in this workshop, remember that business as usual is over. All revenue must be reported, spending justified, and public assets safeguarded. You are stewards, not owners. Be transparent, follow due process, and listen to your community. Establish a performance measurement tracking system. You will be judged by the genuine results you deliver. If the JSPCACC uncovers fabricated outcomes or illicit funding, there will be swift consequences.

I urge you to make full use of the Commission’s Mediation Unit. Many disputes that burden our courts and communities can be settled amicably through the JPCACC. I commend the JSPCACC Executive Chairman for this initiative and thank the people of Jigawa State for their steadfast support.

Let this workshop mark the beginning of a new chapter in service excellence. When you return to your offices, remind your teams that we are watching and listening, the Commission is watching and listening, the people are watching and listening, and above all, the angels are watching, listening, and recording. We will one day account before our Creator. Let us safeguard public trust.

In conclusion, let us demonstrate to the world that in Jigawa, leadership is dedicated to fostering development rather than serving as a symbol of personal gain. I wish you insightful discussions and a highly successful workshop.

It is my distinct privilege to officially declare this High-Level Sensitisation Workshop open, in the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful.

May God bless Jigawa State.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Wassalam Alaikum.

Being a keynote address by Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State delivered at the opening ceremony of the high-level sensitisation workshop for public office holders of the 27 local government councils