Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to promoting and implementing Zonal Intervention Projects and Constituency Projects (ZIPs/CPs) across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister, Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo, assured this commitment in Abuja during the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders Interactive and Citizens Engagement Forum themed ‘Strengthening the Effective Implementation of ZIPs/CPs’. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, Jisalo stated that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ministry has successfully produced Nigeria’s first comprehensive Compendium on ZIPs/CPs, establishing a structured national database of verified projects and programs. The ministry’s project verification performance improved from 28.88 per cent in 2023 to 43.13 per cent in 2024, indicating stronger project oversight and monitoring.
Between January 2023 to date, the ministry verified and issued mandates for 772 ZIPs. Additionally, 393 projects and 479 programs across the six Geo-Political Zones have been verified. The ministry also developed a Geographic Information System-Project Management Information System (GIS-PMIS), described by Jisalo as an ‘innovative digital platform’ enhancing verification, real-time project tracking, executive reporting, historical data management, and evidence-based decision-making.
Jisalo highlighted that these achievements demonstrate that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into governance reforms driven by innovation, accountability, and measurable results. However, he noted significant challenges remain, such as delays in project execution and funding, inadequate monitoring logistics, weak inter-agency coordination, and project duplication.
He emphasized non-compliance with verification requirements by implementing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) affects ZIPs/CPs’ effective implementation. ‘These challenges underscore the importance of today’s engagement,’ he said.
Earlier, Dr. Maduka stated that the forum continues the ministry’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders. He emphasized that ZIPs/CPs’ success depends on active collaboration from implementing MDAs, development partners, CSOs, community leaders, and citizens. The forum serves as a platform for dialogue, engagement, and idea exchange on improving ZIPs/CPs’ planning, implementation, monitoring, and sustainability.
Mr. Austin Oche, Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties and Information, praised the sustainability of ZIPs/CPs and pledged continued support. Similarly, Mr. Obima Nwaka, Chairman of the Committee of Youth, Mobilisation and Sensitisation, acknowledged that ZIPs connect grassroots and make people feel the Renewed Hope Agenda’s impact.