The Statecraft Foundation for Development, Outcome, and Inclusion has called for financial transparency, improved healthcare, and efficient basic education across the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Foundation stated that public disclosure of budgets, allocations, expenditures and internally generated revenue in the FCT would boost development.
The foundation’s Citizens’ Charter of Demands, presented to the FCTA, outlines a roadmap for reform and calls on Area Council Chairmen and Councillors to prioritise financial transparency, efficient administration, and community participation.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Emmanuel Obiabo, who spoke in Abuja, yesterday at the FCTA Secretariat, also called for the execution and completion of outstanding community development projects.
Obiabo said: “Area Councils represent the closest tier of governance to citizens in the FCT and play a decisive role in delivering basic services, strengthening democratic participation, and advancing inclusive grassroots development. Their effectiveness directly shapes public trust in governance and the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
“Despite their importance, persistent challenges ranging from administrative inefficiency and weak accountability mechanisms to inadequate service delivery and limited stakeholder inclusion continue to constrain their impact.‘‘
“This Charter serves as a constructive call to reform, responsibility, and action, addressed to public office holders as well as political actors whose commitments shape governance outcomes.”
Highlighting the demands, Obiabo said: “We call on the Mandate Secretary and relevant authorities to ensure that Area Council chairmen and councillors engage residents and stakeholders in budget formulation and implementation processes.
“There should be public disclosure of Area Council budgets, statutory allocations, and expenditures, alongside the quarterly publication of Internally Generated Revenue reports. Transparent procurement processes and the publication of contract awards are essential to restoring public trust. Independent financial audits should be conducted regularly, with reports made accessible to the public.
“There must be clear sanctions for negligence, corruption, and abuse of office, supported by routine performance reviews for Area Council Chairmen, Councillors, and Heads of Departments.’’
On service delivery, he said: “Routine maintenance of roads, markets, waste management systems, and public facilities should be prioritised, particularly within AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada.
“Primary healthcare delivery and basic education support should be strengthened to meet community needs.
“Inclusion structures for women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups should be institutionalised, particularly within primary healthcare centres. Community development projects must be executed and completed within agreed timelines, and the systematic naming and documentation of streets and roads should keep pace with the expansion of residential communities”.
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