ALGON raises committee on PHC contracts

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has inaugurated a committee to ascertain the veracity of the award of contracts to build and equip a healthcare centre in each of the 774 local governments and area councils across the country.

A statement by Obiora Orji, a Media Assistant to the ALGON National President, Kolade Alabi, said the committee was set up at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting presided over by Alabi.

The statement said the committee’s terms of reference included; to ascertain the level of work done, confirm from all 774 LGAs/councils and contractor both pictorial and written evidence of job execution.

The committee was also charged to review the process of certification and payment and report back to the NEC in two weeks.

The statement reads: “While ALGON appreciates the necessity at that time of such a noble project, this current NEC insists that ALGON National will no longer be a contract awarding organisation.”

It added that ALGON will henceforth  focus on the stability and service delivery of policy and development to the local government process, adding that the ALGON President and NEC look forward to a quick and detailed report from the committee.

The seven-man committee has Itiako Ikpokpo Malik from Delta as chairman while ALGON’s Secretary-General, Hajia Binta Bello will function as the secretary.

Other members are Aminu Muazu from Nasarawa; Shehu Sarki Kebbi from Kebbi; Solomon Onah from Enugu; Semiu Bola Lawal from Ogun and Jingi Rufai from Adamawa.