Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has mandated incoming Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) to henceforth patronize local contractors for projects within their domains as it would be done at the state level.
The Governor who gave the directive during the End of the Year Stakeholders’ Engagement held at the Osuntokun Pavilion Government House Ground Ado Ekiti, emphasized the need to domesticate Local content development law currently existing at the state level.
The Governor noted that such decision was to create jobs for the teaming youths, guide against capital flight and boost the economy of the state.
The Governor berated the utilization of direct labor in project construction, citing it as 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.
Oyebanji articulated a growing concern about the prevalent use of direct labor in local government contracts and has formally sought the involvement and guidance of Mr. Lekan Ijidale, the Director General of Local Content.
In alignment with his shared prosperity agenda, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji emphatically directed the incoming chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to actively collaborate with Mr. Lekan Ijidale, the Director General of Local Content, to ensure that local contractors are duly awarded contracts for the construction of markets, culverts, shops, and schools.
The Governor emphasized that by patronizing local contractors, the circulation of their expenditure would remain within the state, significantly contributing to the growth and development of the local and state economy.
It is noteworthy to mention that Mr. Lekan Ijidale was recently appointed as the Director General of Local Content, along with other state appointees. Furthermore, the Governor firmly mandated that all elected chairmen of local governments strictly adhere to the local content law when awarding contracts.
In an interview with Journalists, the
Director General, Local Content Development, Mr. OLekan Ijidale directed all contractors, suppliers and traders of building materials to register with his office begining from next year.
He noted that the registration was to enable the office monitor their activities and ensure strict compliance with local co tent specifications.
According to him, the office would ensure that only contractors who registered with it gets contract from the state.
