By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has called on the Kogi State Government to increase investment in affordable public transportation, reliable water supply and environmental sanitation, describing them as essential services that directly affect residents’ quality of life.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, INGRA Executive Director Hamza Aliyu said the provision of basic amenities should be a key measure of governance and urged the state government to prioritise the services with clear timelines, adequate funding and measurable outcomes.The organisation said the implementation of the Kogi State Development Plan 2024–2056 should be reflected in improved public services, adding that development should be assessed by tangible benefits to citizens.
INGRA noted that the state’s 2026 Second Quarter Budget Implementation Report showed recurrent and capital receipts of about ₦258.94 billion between January and June, with cumulative capital expenditure of about ₦121.61 billion.
It called for greater transparency through regular updates on publicly funded projects.The group proposed the establishment of a subsidised Kogi Mass Transit Scheme linking Lokoja with major routes across the state’s three senatorial districts.
On water supply, INGRA urged the government to provide updates on the rehabilitation of the Greater Lokoja and Old Lokoja Water Works and publish a timeline for restoring reliable public water services.The organisation also called for an emergency sanitation programme to improve waste collection, drainage maintenance, public toilet facilities and recycling infrastructure across the state.
