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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for stronger and more coordinated collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to address insecurity, improve service delivery and reinforce local governance across the country. This position was articulated at the 52nd National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the association, held on December 18, 2025, at the Blue Springs Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja.

After six hours of deliberations, according to the resolutions contained in a statement signed by the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Anani Hamisu, dated December 19, 2025, the NEC expressed grave concern over the persistent rise in insecurity and kidnappings nationwide, condemning in strong terms the abduction of children, mothers and other vulnerable persons.

The Council noted that while efforts by the Federal and State Governments are ongoing, there is an urgent need for intensified intelligence gathering, the deployment of modern and state-of-the-art security equipment, strengthened search-and-rescue operations and expanded community policing initiatives. According to the NEC, closer cooperation between security agencies and local communities is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring safety at the grassroots.

ALGON emphasized that the inability to guarantee the security of citizens undermines every other function of government, stressing that effective local governance cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. In this regard, the Council acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in confronting national security and economic challenges, while urging the Presidency to strengthen the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly within Local Government Areas that remain porous and exposed. The NEC reaffirmed its optimism about improving local governance and pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government, State Governments and Development Partners to enhance effective service delivery.

On agriculture and infrastructure, the NEC highlighted the poor state of rural roads and the shortage of agricultural equipment as major constraints to rural development. The Council resolved to explore partnerships and all available opportunities for agricultural advancement to promote food security, in alignment with Federal and State Government initiatives. It stressed the importance of equipping farmers with modern tools, access to credit facilities and adequate security to boost productivity and sustain livelihoods.

Healthcare delivery was also identified as a priority area, with the NEC reiterating that functional healthcare facilities remain central to ALGON’s agenda. The Council committed to strengthening partnerships with UNICEF, Fred & Fred and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to improve healthcare services across the 774 Local Government Areas and Area Councils nationwide.

The NEC further lamented the poor condition of projects within many Local Governments and called for urgent interventions to bridge existing infrastructural gaps. It emphasized the need for Local Governments to enhance Internally Generated Revenue through innovative measures in order to reduce excessive dependence on federal allocations and promote financial sustainability.

Addressing youth unemployment, the Council described the situation as a growing crisis that requires targeted solutions at the grassroots. The NEC called for empowerment programmes at the local level and appealed to the Federal Government to ensure inclusive recruitment plans that allow Local Government Areas to present qualified candidates for current and future vacancies across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

In addition, the NEC announced plans to organize ALGON Week and the General Assembly next year, describing the events as platforms designed to introduce innovation into the association’s activities. The Council also inaugurated the Northern Forum of ALGON, the Progressive Exco and the Women’s Wing, known as WALGON Excos, in Abuja. The Wife of the ALGON National President, Hajiya Zainab Musa Umar, emerged as the Woman President alongside other officers.

In concluding the meeting, the NEC reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to unity, growth and effective grassroots governance, pledging to continue working with all stakeholders to address pressing national challenges and to strengthen the role of Local Governments in Nigeria’s development.