The Yobe State Government has taken a major step towards enhancing local governance by forming a partnership with the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA). A delegation, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, Mni, met with UCLGA officials in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, February 10, to discuss funding and development initiatives for local councils in the state.
Mamman Mohammed, the Director General of Press and Media Affairs, shared that the delegation engaged with UCLGA Secretary General, Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, to explore potential funding sources for local projects. Mbassi explained that financing would come through the African Forum for Decentralised Cooperation (FACDI), with 60% of the funds provided by FACDI, 20% from the Moroccan government, and 10% from the benefiting local governments in-kind, such as land.
Additionally, Mbassi pointed out that local governments could access the Green Climate Fund to address critical environmental issues such as climate change, desert encroachment, and flooding. He highlighted that there are available opportunities for local governments to leverage in tackling these challenges.
Baba Malam Wali described the discussions as productive and emphasized the state government’s commitment to accelerating the registration process to access these funds. He also mentioned plans to explore capacity-building programs for local government staff, particularly through the College of Administration, Management, and Technology (CAMTEC) in Potiskum.
Ibrahim Adamu Jajere, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, reaffirmed the Buni administration’s commitment to transforming local government administration in Yobe State. He expressed that the partnership would enable local councils to become more proactive in administration and development.
Prof. Muhammad Bello Kawuwa, Commissioner for Higher Education, urged UCLGA to implement a “train-the-trainer” approach to ensure widespread capacity-building across the state. Meanwhile, Bukar Adamu, Chairman of Damaturu Local Government Council and ALGON Chairman, assured that all 17 local government councils in Yobe are ready to register and actively participate in the initiative.
