By Habiba Onakpa Ibrahim
In Nigeria’s ever-evolving democratic landscape, effective governance at the grassroots remains a critical challenge. Yet, in Kogi State, a new wave of transformation is emerging under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
With a firm commitment to transparency, institutional reform, and capacity building, Governor Ododo is setting a new standard for Local Government Administration, redefining its structure, purpose, and impact in ways that are both strategic and sustainable.
From Legacy to Leadership
Upon assuming office in January 2024, Governor Usman Ododo inherited a local government system burdened by inefficiencies, bureaucratic stagnation, and underperformance. Rather than maintain the status quo, his administration chose to act boldly, recognizing that functional local governments are key to driving development, enhancing service delivery, and promoting participatory democracy.
At the core of this shift is institutional restructuring—particularly the revitalization of the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), which plays a pivotal role in managing human capital, promoting staff welfare, and ensuring administrative discipline across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
One of the Governor’s first major steps was the reconstitution of the Local Government Service Commission leadership, appointing competent and development minded individuals to drive his vision. This move signaled a renewed focus on professionalism, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots.
The Commission, under the governor’s directive, has rolled out a series of initiatives including:
* Screening and Clearance of backlog of promotions for deserving local government staff thereby restoring motivation and career progression.
* Capacity-building workshops on ethics, transparency, and accountability for staff from the 21 LGAs of the State.
Governor Ododo’s administration has placed a premium on ethics and transparency as cornerstones of effective public service. By prioritizing training for staff on ethical governance, due and
process, the governor is nurturing a culture of integrity and responsiveness.
* Infrastructure upgrades, including the commissioning of the Unity Hall, a new administrative hub to support operational efficiency, and renovation of existing Structures.
* Strategic partnerships with federal agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
In a groundbreaking move, the administration is championing economic empowerment at the local level. Through collaborations with the NEPC and other stakeholders, local governments in Kogi are now being supported to identify exportable products, promote agro-processing, and strengthen value chains. This policy not only diversifies revenue sources but also creates jobs and promotes local entrepreneurship for sustainable rural development.
*.Welfare of Local Government Workers
Governor Ododo has shown a clear understanding that motivated workers build stronger institutions. His administration has prioritized:
Implementation of minimum wage policies at the local government level.
Payment of arrears and entitlements such as leave bonuses to deserving staff.
Periodic reviews of staff performance to ensure that promotions and postings are based on merit and productivity.
These measures not only improve morale among local government workers but also raise the standard of public service delivery across the LGAs.
*.Digitization and Future Outlook
Governor Ododo’s reforms have laid the groundwork for future digitization. Plans are reportedly underway to introduce digital HR systems, automated payroll, and performance tracking tools to enhance efficiency, transparency and eradicate fraud at the local Government level.
As these systems are implemented, Kogi is poised to become a reference point for modernized and technology-driven local government administration in Nigeria.
