The push for improved transparency and accountability in local governance in Anambra State received a boost as the JDPC Nnewi ALGAF Project Team engaged the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Egoh Arinze, in a strategic advocacy visit.
The Director, JDPC Nnewi, Reverend Father Ben Okolo, led the team on the engagement which took place under the Anambra Local Governance Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF).
It aimed to introduce the initiative to the State Assembly, presenting its achievements, and securing legislative collaboration to enhance service delivery at the grassroots.
The visit is significant because the State House of Assembly has constitutional and oversight role in local government administration, particularly in enforcing the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law.
During the meeting, one of the team members, Onyekachi Ololo, explained that the initiative is a structured accountability and citizen-engagement programme designed to strengthen transparency, performance monitoring, and public participation in local governance.
He outlined two key objectives of the programme: to empower citizens to demand accountability and improved service delivery from local government councils, and to promote evidence-based reforms through sustained engagement with government institutions, including the legislature.
Highlighting progress made so far, Ololo noted that ALGAF has conducted advocacy visits and stakeholder engagements across the state, while also building the capacity of local accountability fellows and mobilizing community stakeholders.
“We have held town hall meetings across the senatorial zones to encourage citizen participation and responsiveness from local authorities.
“These engagements have helped identify critical governance gaps affecting service delivery at the grassroots.
The team further emphasized that ALGAF goes beyond awareness creation, describing it as an action-driven initiative focused on achieving measurable improvements in governance outcomes through collaboration with key institutions.
“We are here for legislative partnership. This State Assembly plays a crucial role in lawmaking, oversight, and enforcement of compliance within the local government system.
“Collaboration with the House Committee on Local Government and other relevant committees would be essential in strengthening accountability mechanisms, reviewing existing laws, and ensuring effective implementation of policies guiding local councils.
ALGAF a welcome development
Responding, Mr. Egoh welcomed the initiative and commended JDPC Nnewi for its efforts in promoting good governance.
He described ALGAF as timely and relevant, particularly in the face of increasing public demand for effective and transparent grassroots administration.
He reaffirmed the importance of the State Assembly in ensuring that local government structures function efficiently and in line with the law.
“Legislature remains a critical driver of reforms needed to improve service delivery at the community level.
“We will support the initiative. I will formally brief the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Chris, on ALGAF’s objectives and activities.
“I’m sure that the House would provide the necessary backing to ensure the success of the programme.
The Director also advised the ALGAF team to sustain engagement with the Assembly and ensure that findings from their activities are properly documented and shared for legislative consideration.
Positive outcomes
The meeting yielded several outcomes, including increased awareness of the ALGAF initiative within the State Assembly and a commitment to link the project team with the House Committee on Local Government.
It also opened the door for future collaboration, particularly in monitoring compliance with the Local Government Administration Law and advancing reforms that promote accountability and transparency.
As part of next steps, the ALGAF team is expected to send a formal follow-up communication to the Director, develop a policy brief outlining key grassroots concerns, and pursue further engagement with the House Committee Chairman.
Plans are also underway to explore a structured partnership framework with the Assembly and to participate in broader public accountability dialogues focused on budgeting, project execution, and service delivery.
Overall, the engagement marks a critical step in strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing efforts to build a more transparent and accountable local government system in Anambra State.
