Nigeria’s Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has presented its Annual Status Report on Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects and officially launched the 2023–2025 Compendium under the theme ‘Actualising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Through the Implementation of Zonal Interventions/Constituency Projects’.
In a statement by the Chief Information Officer of the Ministry, Mandal Francis, the event, held in Abuja, brought together key government officials, legislators, development partners, stakeholders, and members of the media to review progress, strengthen accountability, and promote transparency in the implementation of intervention projects across the country.
In his welcome address, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, welcomed participants, “described the occasion as an important platform for accountability, transparency, and reflection on the implementation of constituency and Intervention Projects in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu”.
The Minister reaffirmed the “Ministry’s commitment to its mandate of monitoring, verification, certification, and coordination of the Nigerian Government intervention projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, rural electrification, security, women and youth empowerment, and community development”.
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He noted that the Compendium represents a significant milestone in documenting verified projects, promoting transparency, and strengthening public confidence in government interventions.
Mr Jisalo further emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to data-driven governance and effective project monitoring while commending members of the National Assembly, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners; private sector stakeholders; and the media for their support.
The minister also acknowledged the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of President Tinubu in advancing inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
Presenting the Annual Status Report, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Onwusoro Ihemelandu, highlighted the Ministry’s mandate to coordinate key presidential initiatives, oversee Inter-governmental affairs, monitor and certify Zonal Intervention Projects, and develop programmes geared towards poverty eradication and sustainable national development.
Dr. Ihemelandu stated that implementation of Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects between 2023 and 2025 had improved significantly due to strategic reforms introduced by the Ministry.
“Compulsory compliance measures now require Ministries, Departments and Agencies to adhere strictly to project verification and certification guidelines before payments are made to contractors”, noting that “non-compliance would attract administrative sanctions, including exclusion from future implementation responsibilities.” He disclosed
The Permanent Secretary identified major challenges affecting project implementation, including “non-compliance by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies in submitting projects for verification; delayed project execution; inadequate logistics; weak inter-agency data synergy; and delayed release of funds”.
To address these challenges, Dr Ihemelandu recommended “stronger collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to enforce compliance, provision of operational vehicles and logistics support, enhanced institutional collaboration among stakeholders, introduction of sanctions for defaulting Ministries, Departments and Agencies and full deployment of a GIS-based project management system”.
He further advocated partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria to bridge information gaps on Federal Government programmes and strengthen community ownership of projects.
According to him, the launch of the 2023–2025 Compendium marks a major milestone in data-driven oversight, institutional memory preservation, and project documentation while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to deploying innovative digital solutions to improve project monitoring efficiency in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering the keynote remarks on behalf of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, commended the Minister and the management of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs for the initiative and successful unveiling of the Compendium.
She described the publication as a significant milestone in strengthening accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery in the implementation of Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects nationwide.
According to her, the “Compendium reflects the collective commitment of government and stakeholders to ensure that public resources are deployed in ways that directly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots level”.
The Wife of the President noted that Intervention Projects remain critical tools for bridging the gap between government and citizens by ensuring visible, accessible, and responsive development.
“Compendium serves as a reflection of sound policy implementation, institutional collaboration, and the determination of President Tinubu’s administration to translate its vision into measurable outcomes for Nigerians across all regions.” She added.
She further called on development partners, legislators, implementing agencies, and other stakeholders to sustain their commitment to transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the execution of Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects.
The event culminated in the formal unveiling of the 2023–2025 Compendium, symbolising a renewed commitment to transparency, effective project delivery, and the actualisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through impactful Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects across Nigeria.
