Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has called for more public participation in the work of local councils. He made the request at a meeting held to train councilors to implement the Residential Tenancy Act.
Speaking at the meeting held at the Local Government Authority (LGA), Minister Adam Shareef highlighted the importance of fulfilling the expectations of citizens in achieving the rightful status of the councils. To this end, the Minister said that the councils should identify ways to increase the empowerment of the people through various programmes.
Additionally, Minister Adam Shareef said that a country can only be developed into a prosperous society if the laws and regulations are implemented in their fullest form. As such, he said that state institutions and law enforcement agencies need to ensure that they are compliant with the laws that bestow responsibilities to the state and other relevant bodies and the rights of the people, the responsibilities of the people and other relevant bodies. He added that LGA is one of the most important institutions for this purpose.
Furthermore, Minister Adam Shareef said that the most responsibility in providing services to citizens lies with the councils. He added that the responsibility of the councils is higher now after the ratification of the Residential Tenancy Act.
Moreover, Minister Adam Shareef said he would not let other authorities override the authority of the LGA and that the ministry will ensure that the requirements of the LGA Act are met. He also said the government is making efforts to identify and solve various housing problems. He highlighted that these are important issues for citizens and can only be solved with the help of local councils.