The Federal Government on Thursday lauded the Light up the nation initiative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), calling it a smart move to boost security, spruce up communities and spark economic growth at the grassroot level.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume delivered the endorsement during a courtesy call in Abuja by ALGON’s leadership, including President Iliyasu Zakari and its board of trustees.
SGF Akume hailed the programme —which targets lighting up cities and villages across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas—as more than cosmetic.
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“When you light up cities and villages, you are not just improving their appearance, you are also strengthening security and creating a more conducive environment for economic activities,” he said.
He requested a full briefing on the plans for potential federal backing.
SGF Akume highlighted President Bola Tinubu administration’s push to empower local governments with fresh funding, a shift he called unprecedented.
“This is the first time the government at the centre has paid such deliberate attention to the funding and operations of local governments,” he told the group.
He urged ALGON to prioritize discipline, accountability and citizen-focused service.
On insecurity—a persistent drag on the nation’s economy— SGF Akume positioned local councils as frontline players.
“You are directly affected by what happens in your communities,” he said.
“Local governments have a major role to play in strengthening security” by spotting and reporting threats.
In his remarks, Zakari recommitted ALGON to the “Light Up Nigeria 774” drive, describing it as core to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NewsQuest reports that the group plans to submit a detailed rollout soon for federal review, promising alignment with national goals to drive grassroots development.
