By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, has issued a strong call for the urgent recruitment of fresh personnel into the state’s local government system, warning of a looming administrative vacuum due to an aging workforce.
The recommendation was made during a review of the audited accounts of the Anambra State Government for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The committee Chairman, Hon. Noble Igwe, raised the alarm over the dwindling capacity of local government administrations to deliver critical services.
“It is now difficult to find anyone in the local government system with up to 20 years of service left. This trend presents a clear danger to the continuity of governance and service delivery at the grassroots.”
The committee expressed concern that without swift recruitment of young, skilled professionals, the state could face a collapse in local administrative capacity. Hon. Igwe emphasized that fresh talent would not only plug impending gaps but also inject innovation, energy, and modern thinking into the governance structure.
He further recommended the institutionalization of regular capacity-building programs, including workshops, seminars, and professional training for existing staff. “Continuous training is vital to improving productivity and aligning our local government system with global best practices,” he noted.
The review session also evaluated the financial performance of local councils, with committee members stressing the importance of transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability in the management of public funds.
The Committee is set to present its full report and recommendations to the House in the coming weeks, setting the stage for potential legislative actions aimed at revitalizing the state’s grassroots governance framework.
Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
