From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has introduced a monthly inspection and reporting system for the state’s 11 local government councils in a move aimed at strengthening oversight, improving accountability and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Barr. Sani Ahmed Haruna, announced the directive during his maiden meeting with staff of the ministry’s Inspectorate, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, where he instructed the department to replace its quarterly inspection reports with monthly submissions.
Haruna said the new reporting framework would enable the ministry to closely monitor the activities and performance of local government councils, detect challenges early and take prompt corrective measures where necessary.
He also directed the department to strengthen its documentation and record-keeping system to ensure that all inspection activities are properly captured and preserved.
Describing the Inspectorate, Monitoring and Evaluation Department as the “engine room” of the ministry, the commissioner said nearly 70 per cent of the ministry’s core responsibilities fall within its mandate, making its effectiveness crucial to efficient local government administration.
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He urged officers of the department to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, professionalism and integrity, stressing that effective monitoring and timely reporting remain essential to good governance and improved service delivery.
“Monthly reports will provide the ministry with up-to-date information on developments across the local government councils and enable us to respond swiftly to emerging issues,” Haruna said.
The commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to building a transparent, accountable and results-driven ministry capable of delivering effective governance at the grassroots.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Shuaibu Ibrahim, commended the commissioner for adopting an open-door leadership style, saying it would promote teamwork, improve communication and strengthen transparency within the ministry.
Also speaking, the Director of Local Government, Alhaji Musa Idi Batari, briefed the commissioner on the responsibilities of the Inspectorate, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, explaining that it is responsible for inspecting local government councils, monitoring the implementation of projects and programmes, evaluating performance and ensuring compliance with government policies and regulations.
The meeting ended with the department pledging its commitment to supporting the commissioner’s agenda of strengthening local government administration through effective monitoring, improved documentation and timely reporting.