Ensuring Effective Implementation of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF)
Dear Mr president,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the potential decision to unilaterally surrender the new initiative of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) to the state governments. Instead, I strongly recommend that the federal government supervises and co-equity finances the ISF, taking into account the antecedental experiences we have witnessed in the past.
As we embark on this ambitious infrastructure development initiative, it is essential to recognize that nobody will drive and implement the vision like the owner. The federal government, as the custodian of national interests, possesses the necessary resources, expertise, and oversight mechanisms to ensure the successful execution of the ISF. By maintaining a central role in the project implementation, the federal government can uphold the principles of passion, dedication, accountability, and transparency, which are vital to delivering the dividends of development to the people and meeting the expectations of Nigerians at the grassroots level.
Here are a few key reasons why I believe the federal government should retain a significant role in the supervision and co-equity financing of the ISF:
1. National Vision and Consistency: The federal government is responsible for setting and implementing the national vision. By maintaining control over the ISF, the federal government can ensure that infrastructure projects align with national development goals and are consistent across all states. This approach will help avoid discrepancies and disparities in the implementation of the ISF.
2. Resource Allocation and Efficiency: The federal government possesses the necessary financial resources to ensure the equitable distribution of funds for infrastructure development. By directly coordinating the financing, the government can allocate resources efficiently, considering factors such as population density, economic potential, and regional disparities. This will help address the infrastructure deficit and promote balanced development across the country.
3. Expertise and Technical Capacity: The federal government has access to technical expertise and knowledge required for effective project planning, execution, and monitoring. By leveraging this expertise, the government can provide guidance to state governments, assisting them in overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful completion of infrastructure projects. This approach will guarantee that projects are executed with the highest standards of quality and adherence to established timelines.
4. Accountability and Transparency: The federal government, due to its national mandate, is better equipped to enforce accountability and transparency in the implementation of the ISF. By maintaining oversight, the government can establish robust monitoring mechanisms, conduct audits, and ensure that funds are utilized appropriately. This will help prevent mismanagement, corruption, and unnecessary delays in project completion.
In conclusion, I urge the federal government to retain a central role in supervising and co-equity financing the Infrastructure Support Fund. By doing so, we can ensure the effective implementation of infrastructure projects, guarantee the delivery of dividends to the people, and meet the expectations of Nigerians at the grassroots level. It is essential to prioritize passion, dedication, accountability, and transparency throughout the entire process, and the federal government is best positioned to uphold these principles.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter. I trust that you will make a decision that serves the best interests of our nation and its people.
Yours sincerely,
Chief(Dr) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe
Southwest zonal Director,
Social and humanitarian directorate
APC-PCC 2023.
Writes from Akure,Ondo state.
