The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has harped on community policing as a solution to Nigerian insecurity. The association also expressed concern over the Infrastructural deficits in healthcare sector across the local governments in the country, saying effort must be made to make it better.

In a communiqué signed by ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Solomon Onah, at the end of its two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ikeja, it said only community policing can solve the problem of insecurity in the country and actively engage with the rural populace.

The communiqué said it would make local government council to also engage with the community leaders, town unions and other stakeholders in seeking for insecurity solution in the country. On healthcare, ALGON noted with grave concern, the infrastructural deficit in healthcare services across local governments.

The communiqué reads in part: “The NEC recognised that the laudable project has over the years suffered severe setbacks and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring its completion, in view, especially of the enormous funds already spent on the project.

“The NEC, therefore, directed its Sub-committee on the Project to review, evaluate and revert to NEC within an appropriate timeframe; the sub-committee is also expected to perform close oversight going forward.

“The NEC approved and announced the final Flag off of the Federal, State and Local Governments joint project on National Anti-Multiple Taxation Scheme (NAMTAXS) and National Transit Insurance Scheme (NATIS) in November 2021.

“It also agreed to a more inclusive meeting on the projects for all the LGAs and Council Chairmen to bring them up to speed with all aspects of both projects.

“It may be recalled that the projects are aimed at promoting ease of doing businesses in Nigeria, shore up revenue, bring rescue, safety, security and to permanently eradicate illegal roadblocks, illegal multiple taxes, levies, fees and attendant assaults.

“It will also eradicate molestations and sometimes killings to which ordinary Nigerians are subjected or exposed. The insurance component is expected to guarantee investment portfolio in case of damage or loss related to road accidents.

“It is also designed with effective Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement teams with the support of multi-sectoral engagement including, ICT, Police and other MDAs,’’ it said.

It said in view of ongoing Constitutional Amendment, NEC had continued to advocate virile local governments and Councils.

The communiqué said the NEC had lamented the current status of Revenue Allocation to the Councils and called for an upward review from its present 20.6 per cent to 35.5 per cent under the current review as already submitted to the National Assembly.

“The NEC has renewed its determination to have robust leadership at the Councils through international collaboration and peer review.