The Governance Delivery Unit (GDU), a pioneering initiative launched to transform the governance structure in Kogi State, visited the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Lokoja to conduct a data-driven assessment of its ongoing and proposed projects.
With the visit was led by the Chief Administrator, Mr. Itodo Daniel Emmanuel, the session formed part of the Unit’s wider state-wide engagement to collect accurate data on government interventions for digital integration into the State’s central dashboard.
Mr. Itodo emphasized that the goal is to assess real-time progress on government programs and projects, eliminate bottlenecks, and support evidence-based policy decisions.
The digital forms shared with the Ministry are designed to streamline reporting, funding visibility, and performance monitoring using e-government infrastructure.
According to him, “We are here to generate the right data so that His Excellency, who may not physically visit every location, can be digitally informed of progress and challenges through an integrated performance dashboard.”
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, commended the GDU initiative, describing it as a welcome development for both accountability and strategic planning.
He assured the visiting team of the Ministry’s full cooperation, adding that the Ministry has a rich portfolio of projects to be documented for state-level tracking and evaluation.
Details of key projects submitted during the session include: a N31.7 billion commercial infrastructure project spanning 15 hectares with completion targeted for December 2027; and the Kogi-Hunan Special Economic Zone, occupying 4,000 hectares in Adogo, which began in April 2024 and is currently 90% completed in its clearing and planning stage.
Both projects are fully funded by the Kogi State Government.
The team also captured non-infrastructure programs such as the annual Trade Fair held from November 21st to 24th, 2024, aimed at empowering SMEs and showcasing Made-in-Kogi products, as well as activities under the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP).
The Ministry pledged to submit all remaining project data electronically and collaborate with the GDU as analysis and feedback continues.
The Governance Delivery Unit (GDU), launched during a stakeholders engagement last year, is a testament to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to excellence and resilience in governance.
With the technical support of reputable partners like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), the state is poised for unprecedented growth and development through real-time monitoring and transparency in public service delivery.
In attendance were:
– Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu – State Commissioner for Commerce & Industry
– Hon. Lamidi Salihu – Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Industry
– Mrs. Bosede Micah – Director of Finance & Accounting
– Mr. Akowe Yakubu – Director of Commerce
– Mr. Adejo Ibrahim – Director PRS
– Makama Daudu – SA on Commerce & Cashew Production
Taiye Bayode
Information Officer
*Ministry of Commerce & Industry*
