Development Projects: Ekiti to Give Priority to Local Contractors

…As Oyebanji directs Ijidale to swing into action.

The Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has mandated in-coming chairmen of local government and local council development areas (LCDA) to henceforth prioritize local contractors for projects within their domains.

The governor who gave the directive during the end-of-year stakeholders’ engagement held at the Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House Ground, Ado-Ekiti, emphasized the need to domesticate local content development law currently existing at the state level.

The governor hammered on the need for economic growth towards achieving shared prosperity agenda while acknowledging the out-going chairmen’s accomplishments over the past three years, particularly in the final phase of their tenure.

Emphasizing government’s commitment to transparency in managing local government funds, the governor highlighted significant strides in rural development across communities.

He, however, berated utilization of direct labour in project construction, saying it was counter-productive to local content development laws and efforts.

Governor Oyebanji pledged to furnish the chairmen with a list of state contractors for their project allocations, in order to ensure compliance with local content regulations.

He directed the Director-General of Local Content Development, Lekan Ijidale, to enforce strict adherence to these laws in contract awards, aiming to empower local businesses and ventures within the state.