Ministry Seeks Regular Updates, Operational Data from Utility Compliance Agency
By Taiye Bayode
The Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry has commenced moves to establish a formal working relationship with the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA), following a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government placing the agency under the Ministry’s supervisory oversight.
The development came to the fore when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajia Sualihat Musa Amana, received a delegation from KUIMCA led by its Director-General, Hon. Taofik A. Isa, during a strategic engagement at the Ministry.
Amana explained that the Ministry considered it a responsibility to formally engage the agency, acquaint itself with its mandate and operational structure, and establish an effective channel of communication following the receipt of the government directive.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, who was unavoidably absent, the Permanent Secretary observed that despite KUIMCA’s reported placement under the Ministry’s supervisory purview, there had previously been no established working relationship between the two institutions.
She described the engagement as timely and necessary for clarifying roles, strengthening coordination and ensuring effective implementation of government policies.
According to her, regular communication between the Ministry and KUIMCA would enable the Ministry to maintain an accurate understanding of the agency’s programmes and activities and, where required, provide comprehensive reports to the State Government.
She therefore requested that KUIMCA regularly furnish the Ministry with relevant updates on its operations, programmes and activities.
Responding, the Director-General of KUIMCA, Hon. Taofik A. Isa, apologised for his earlier inability to receive the Ministry’s delegation, explaining that he had been engaged in other official assignments that morning.
Isa, however, disclosed that he had yet to personally receive the circular reportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government concerning the agency’s supervisory arrangement.
He explained that KUIMCA had, until then, largely maintained its operational relationship with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) while reporting directly to the Governor.
The Director-General said he had no reservation about the proposed arrangement, stressing his readiness to cooperate with any government ministry or agency where such collaboration would advance the interests of the State.
He assured the Ministry that he would study the directive, verify its details with the appropriate government offices and communicate formally with the Ministry thereafter.
As an immediate step toward strengthening coordination, Isa directed the agency’s Director of Administration to sustain engagement with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry pending the conclusion of the necessary administrative processes.
In her closing remarks, Amana said both institutions did not necessarily have to wait for the completion of all paperwork before beginning to work together in areas of mutual interest.
She encouraged KUIMCA to commence the sharing of relevant operational information and data with the Ministry, noting that timely access to such information would enhance the Ministry’s ability to discharge its supervisory and reporting responsibilities effectively.
The engagement ended on a positive note, with both institutions expressing optimism that the meeting had laid the foundation for a more structured, productive and enduring working relationship in furtherance of the economic and administrative objectives of the Kogi State Government.
