In his inaugural address in May 2023, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi pledged to lead an open, inclusive, and transparent government that would ensure effective public service delivery and sustainable democratic development.
Governor Namadi, who assumed office with a blueprint to elevate Jigawa to greater heights, began by ensuring equitable representation by distributing political appointments across all 27 local government areas. This move aims to foster fair representation and effective monitoring of government projects and programmes.
In furtherance of his campaign promises to provide every community and individual with the opportunity to participate in governance, Governor
Namadi launched the Citizens Engagement Programme, locally known as “Gwamnati da Jama’a”.
This initiative, introduced by the Jigawa State government, enables residents of the 27 local government areas to voice their needs to their leaders while allowing the government to communicate its ongoing programs and projects to improve their lives.
The programme, officially launched in Auyo Local government, has sparked widespread public discourse, drawing commendations, criticisms, and observations from various groups. The launch event was attended by political leaders, officeholders, appointees, civil servants, trade unions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, community groups, and the general public.
However, opposition parties and some critics have labelled the programme as politically motivated, suggesting it is a tactic to promote the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda rather than deepen democracy.
These groups argue that the state government should focus on initiatives that improve citizens’ lives rather than advancing political interests ahead of campaign seasons.
Amid the debate, some have praised the initiative as a commendable effort to provide citizens with direct access to communicate their needs, challenges, and advice to the government. However, they remain skeptical about the mechanisms for implementing the programme’s findings.
A coalition of civil society organizations operating across various sectors in the state, known as the Network of Jigawa Civil Society Organizations (NetJiC), has described the initiative as a welcome development.
NetJiC commended Governor Umar Namadi for initiating the public engagement platform, popularly known as “Government and the People,” which has positioned Jigawa as a pacesetter in governance reforms.
The Network believes citizen engagement will restore public trust, enhance security architecture, and bring governance closer to the people, thereby addressing basic needs and strengthening transparency and accountability.
NetJiC emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of co-creation and partnership, as outlined in the governor’s 12-point agenda, to ensure the program’s success.
NetJiC also suggested that the Auyo program serves as a litmus test and stressed the need to balance state and non-state actors. They recommended allocating adequate time for citizens to voice their opinions and concerns, lending greater credibility to the programme.
As a key partner in supporting the state’s developmental agenda,
NetJiC expressed willingness to collaborate with the Jigawa State Government to monitor the program and follow up on the implementation of commitments made.
During the event, heads of ministries and agencies outlined their achievements in Auyo local government area over the past two years, with residents expressing satisfaction with the government’s performance.
The immediate past governor of Jigawa State and current minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, praised Governor Namadi’s visionary leadership and exceptional performance, which have significantly improved the social and economic lives of Jigawa citizens in less than two years.
The former governor thanked Almighty Allah for granting Governor Umar Namadi the ability to perform exceptionally well, which is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the philosophy of the APC. He pledged continued support to deliver prosperous Jigawa.
In his remarks at the event, Alhaji Ahmad Isa Gerawa, a prominent APC leader in the state, emphasized the party’s unity in Jigawa and vowed not to allow selfish individuals to disrupt its harmony.
He stressed that party politics and governance require tolerance, perseverance, consultation, dedication, and inclusiveness to succeed, particularly in a democratic system. Gerawa urged party members and leaders to uphold these virtues.
During the engagement, the Auyo community presented several demands, including a request that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu complete the abandoned 6,000-hectare irrigation project in the Hadejia Valley.
Babura local government area was the second area to host the programme. Residents expressed their delight at the opportunity to speak directly to the state’s governor and other political leaders. The community commended the Namadi administration for its significant strides in improving socio-economic activities in their area and across Jigawa State.
Babura communities have requested the state government to develop irrigation facilities to enhance agricultural productivity, create jobs, and reduce poverty in the area. They also urged the completion of federal road projects from Kwanar Dumawa in Kano State to Babura in Jigawa State and Babban Mutum in Katsina State, as well as the continuation of the Babura-Maigatari road to enhance the transportation of goods and services. They also called for the inclusion of Babura local government in the date farming project, for which the state has signed an MOU with Saudi Arabia, and the construction of a stadium to promote sports and youth physical fitness.
In addition to reviewing the government’s interventions, projects, and programmes executed in the last two years, Governor Umar Namadi used the occasion to flag off the construction of the N6.3 billion Duzau-Kany-Gwaron Maje 19.5km road, one of the 41 road projects approved in 2024.
In his responses, Governor Namadi reiterated that the Citizens Engagement Programme was initiated to enhance citizen participation in governance, generate more input for effective government policies, and strengthen public service delivery. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and sustainable development, emphasising the importance of continuous engagement with the people.
The programme is designed to tour all 27 local government areas of the state from February to November 2025 and is expected to facilitate direct engagement between the government and the governed. It is also expected to unearth issues that directly affect the common man’s plight and the political developments of Jigawa State.
