In a bid to enhance the quality of rural development across Nasarawa State, the Director General of the Nasarawa State Bureau for Rural Development, Engr. Muhammed Sidi Sani, has initiated a call for a stronger partnership with the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs. This collaboration aims to address the critical issue of road infrastructure through joint efforts on road construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and upgrades.

The announcement came during a visit by Engr. Sani to the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, at his office in Lafia on the 19th of May, 2025. The visit provided a platform for discussing the way forward in strengthening the socio-economic foundation of Nasarawa’s rural communities through effective infrastructure development.

Engr. Sani underscored the importance of the collaboration, emphasizing that road infrastructure is one of the Bureau’s core mandates. He pointed to the successful partnership between the Bureau and Doma Local Government Area as an example, where the initiative has proven beneficial in improving the local road network and consequently enhancing the livelihoods of rural dwellers.

“By working together, we can achieve greater strides in ensuring rural roads are in good condition, which is vital for the overall development of our communities,” said Engr. Sani. He believes that extending this model to other Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state will catalyze a wave of positive change for rural communities.

Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, was quick to lend his support to the proposal. He recognized the need for better collaboration between local government structures and the Bureau to maximize developmental outcomes at the grassroots level.

“The partnership will enhance the socio-economic activities of the people at the grassroots,” the Commissioner remarked. He pledged to mobilize the Local Government Council Chairmen through the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), creating awareness about the Bureau’s initiatives and functions to ensure that the collaboration benefits all communities within the state.

Echoing the Commissioner’s sentiments, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha (Roba), the Chairman of ALGON and the Council Boss of Akwanga Local Government Area, voiced his strong support for the initiative. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for bringing about lasting positive changes in the rural areas, where infrastructural development is most needed.

The timing of this collaboration is particularly significant, as Engr. Sani noted that Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has committed to procuring additional working machines for the Bureau. This pledge reflects the Governor’s ongoing dedication to improving rural welfare, further solidifying the Bureau’s ability to execute development projects efficiently.

The partnership between the Nasarawa State Bureau for Rural Development and the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs promises to be a pivotal step in driving infrastructural progress across the state. With key figures from both government bodies backing the initiative, there is hope that the partnership will empower rural communities, stimulate local economies, and improve the standard of living for many residents in Nasarawa’s rural areas.

This collaborative effort, paired with the Governor’s support for additional resources, signals a promising future for rural development in Nasarawa State, with the potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.