The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has convened a major stakeholders’ interactive forum in Abuja as part of efforts to deepen transparency, accountability and efficiency in the implementation of the N4.7 trillion Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects captured in the 2025 budget.

The forum, held in Abuja on Thursday, brought together lawmakers, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives of federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to assess persistent challenges in project execution and develop strategies for enhancing the delivery of democratic dividends to rural communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, disclosed that the ministry had verified and certified 110 Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects across the six geopolitical zones in the third quarter of the year.

He noted that, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the ministry would intensify engagement with beneficiary communities to ensure full ownership and sustainability of projects such as school renovations, boreholes, agricultural empowerment initiatives, medical outreach programmes and street lighting.

The Minister cautioned implementing agencies against violating provisions of extant circulars issued in September 2023, warning that defaulters would be prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other anti-graft bodies. He added that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda had introduced a fundamental shift from old practices and urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to align with the administration’s expectations for accountability and improved service delivery.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, commended the ministry for organising the forum and fostering stronger collaboration between MDAs and the National Assembly. He emphasised that both institutions remain partners in progress committed to ensuring that infrastructure and social amenities are adequately provided in rural communities to enhance living standards.

Guest speaker and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Bashir, delivered a presentation titled “Appraisal of the Impact of Zonal Intervention/Constituency Projects in Communities and Attainment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda”. He identified economic reforms, infrastructural development, improved security, job creation, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) growth and better educational standards as key pillars of the President’s agenda.

A communiqué is expected at the end of the forum. (The Sun)