The Abia State Government has charged Executive Mayors of the 17 Local Government Areas and other senior government officials to strengthen financial and administrative control systems to prevent the diversion, misuse and mismanagement of public resources.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Dr. Uzor Nwachukwu, gave the directive on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during the opening of a two-day Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Programme organised in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia.
Nwachukwu said the administration of Governor Alex Otti remained committed to transparency, discipline and accountability in the management of public resources, stressing that these principles must guide government operations across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He noted that local governments were expected to move beyond their traditional administrative responsibilities and become active drivers of grassroots development, economic opportunities and improved living conditions.
The commissioner explained that the state government’s interventions in agriculture, youth development, rural infrastructure and local economic empowerment required adequate funding, proper coordination and responsible management.
He emphasised that the success of government programmes should be measured by their actual impact rather than the amount of money allocated or released.
According to him, projects existing only on paper, expenditures without proper accountability and approvals that disregard established procedures undermine good governance.
He therefore urged Executive Mayors and senior local government officials to uphold financial discipline through proper record-keeping, transparent procurement processes, effective project supervision and timely financial reporting.
Nwachukwu further cautioned that delegating official responsibilities should not amount to abandoning oversight duties, urging local government leaders to strengthen internal controls, documentation and compliance with financial regulations.
He expressed hope that the sensitisation programme would equip participants with practical knowledge of their legal responsibilities and the appropriate management of public funds.
The commissioner also called for actionable recommendations that would improve administrative and financial accountability across the 17 local government areas.
He warned participants against treating the training as another routine government workshop, insisting that the knowledge acquired must translate into measurable improvements in their respective offices.
Assuring the ICPC of the ministry’s continued cooperation, Nwachukwu urged participants to take the programme seriously and demonstrate greater commitment to institutional integrity.
In her goodwill message, the ICPC representative, Chinwe Egbeocha, commended the commissioner and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for extending the sensitisation programme to all local government structures in the state.
She described the initiative as a positive indication of the state’s willingness to strengthen the fight against corruption.
Egbeocha disclosed that the ICPC office responsible for Abia and Imo states had previously carried out its activities in Imo State, describing the engagement in Abia as its first sensitisation programme of this nature in the state.
She encouraged participants to actively engage with the commission’s representatives, ask questions and seek clarification on issues relating to corruption and public accountability.
She also stressed that the programme was strictly focused on promoting transparency and addressing corruption, rather than political interests.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, appreciated the ICPC for partnering with the ministry to promote accountability and ethical conduct in local government administration.
She also commended Nwachukwu for his leadership and support towards the successful organisation of the programme.
Maduka noted that corruption did not always begin with large financial scandals, explaining that seemingly minor actions such as bending established rules, ignoring official procedures and deliberately overlooking wrongdoing could also constitute unethical conduct.
She reminded participants that public officers occupied positions of trust and that their decisions directly affected the lives and welfare of ordinary citizens, particularly at the grassroots.
The Permanent Secretary urged government officials to uphold the transparency and accountability principles of the Otti administration, stressing that good intentions must be supported by adequate knowledge of financial regulations and professional standards.
She encouraged participants to make the most of the training by asking practical questions and applying the knowledge gained to their daily responsibilities.
The two day programme is expected to strengthen ethical standards, improve financial management practices and promote a culture of accountability across Abia State’s local government system.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
