Kogi at 35: CHRCR Demands Accountability, State TV, Housing, Infrastructure, Tourism Reforms
By Our Correspondent
As Kogi State marks its 35th anniversary, the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called on the state government to urgently embark on far-reaching reforms aimed at addressing what it described as years of underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, weak accountability and misplaced priorities.
The Executive Director of CHRCR, Idris Miliki Abdul, made the call in a statement titled “Kogi at 35, Where Do We Go From Here,” issued in Lokoja on August 28, 2026, as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state.
Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991, during the administration of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida. According to Abdul, the milestone provides an opportunity for citizens and leaders to reflect on the journey so far, evaluate achievements and failures, and chart a new course for the future.
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While congratulating the people of Kogi State for sustaining peaceful coexistence despite numerous challenges, the CHRCR boss expressed concern over what he described as persistent deficits in infrastructure, governance, citizen participation, media development, housing, sanitation, tourism and economic opportunities.
‘Kogi Needs State-Owned Television’
A major concern raised by the rights organisation was the absence of a state-owned television station.
Abdul argued that effective governance requires a strong communication and information system capable of informing citizens, promoting accountability and projecting the cultural and economic potential of the state.
He therefore challenged the state government to give greater attention to media institutions and practitioners, describing the current condition of media development in Kogi as “worrisome” and requiring urgent intervention.
He also expressed concern over the prolonged shutdown of Grace FM in Lokoja, saying the station had reportedly remained off air for more than a year without meaningful intervention from the state government.
Water, Roads and Housing
The organisation also expressed concern over the water situation across the state, particularly in Lokoja, despite the state’s unique geographical advantage of having the Rivers Niger and Benue meeting in the state capital.
On roads, Abdul said many roads across the state remained characterised by potholes and poor conditions, urging the government to improve infrastructure to standards capable of supporting economic development.
He equally questioned the pace of housing development, noting that despite the creation of a Ministry of Housing, the government had yet to demonstrate a comprehensive housing development strategy capable of addressing the accommodation needs of residents.
He called for a review of the state’s relationship with privately owned cement factories operating in Kogi, arguing that such partnerships should produce greater benefits for the state, particularly in infrastructure and housing development.
Tourism Potential Remains Untapped
Abdul also lamented the abandonment of several projects, particularly in the tourism sector.
He specifically mentioned the Confluence Beach Hotel and Kogi Hotel, which he said could contribute to employment creation, revenue generation and tourism development if properly rehabilitated and managed.
The CHRCR Executive Director further called on the governor to personally assess the potential of Mount Patti in Lokoja, describing the historic site as an important tourism asset capable of generating revenue and employment while attracting visitors to the state.
According to him, the development of Mount Patti should be treated as a strategic priority given its historical significance and tourism potential.
Industrialisation and Employment
The organisation further lamented what it described as the absence of a functional industrial layout and state-owned industries capable of creating employment opportunities for Kogi residents.
Abdul urged the government to explore the state’s human and natural resources, particularly in mining, agriculture, marine resources, transportation, tourism and other sectors capable of transforming the state’s economic base.
Environmental Crisis
On sanitation, CHRCR called for what it described as a “state of emergency” on environmental management, particularly in Lokoja.
Abdul expressed concern over the sanitation situation in the state capital and called for a comprehensive review of environmental policies.
He recommended the organisation of an environmental conference involving relevant stakeholders to identify the state’s environmental challenges and develop sustainable intervention strategies aimed at reducing health hazards and the risk of epidemics.
Appointments and Governance
The organisation also questioned the large number of political appointments made by the current administration, asking whether the appointments were designed as genuine employment opportunities or primarily for political patronage.
Abdul urged the governor to place greater emphasis on economic development rather than political patronage, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
He called on citizens to demand greater accountability from those entrusted with public resources and governance.
Palliatives and Social Protection
On social investment, CHRCR called for an immediate review and upgrade of the state’s Social Protection Register.
According to Abdul, the register should serve as a credible guide for identifying vulnerable citizens and distributing government interventions, including palliatives.
He alleged that the absence of a comprehensive social protection policy had created room for political considerations to influence the distribution of government assistance.
He therefore urged the government to develop a clear social investment policy to guide humanitarian interventions across the state.
House of Assembly Laws Should Be Accessible
The organisation also raised concern over the accessibility of laws passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Abdul observed that despite the pace at which the Assembly passes legislation, citizens are often unable to access the laws because they are not adequately gazetted and made available to the public.
He called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all enacted laws are properly gazetted and accessible to citizens in the interest of transparency and democratic participation.
Anti-Corruption Commission
One of the strongest demands in the statement was the call for the establishment of a state anti-corruption commission.
Abdul noted that although the Kogi State House of Assembly had passed an anti-corruption law and the governor subsequently assented to it, the anti-corruption agency envisaged by the legislation had yet to be established.
He called on the governor to review the legislation where necessary and return it to the House of Assembly for the appropriate legislative process, approval and eventual establishment of the commission.
According to him, such a body would strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in the state.
Commends Security Efforts
Despite the criticisms, CHRCR acknowledged what it described as recent improvements in the state’s security sector.
Abdul commended the governor’s efforts in that area but urged the administration to sustain the gains and expand community-based engagement by involving local communities more actively in the state’s security architecture.
Five-Point Recommendations
The organisation made several recommendations, including the immediate establishment of a state-owned television station; development of a commercially viable housing strategy; review and upgrade of the Social Protection Register; formulation of a comprehensive social investment policy; review of environmental policies; and strategic development of the transport sector.
It also called for deliberate investment in land, water and air transportation, arguing that Kogi’s geographical location and its proximity to several states and the Federal Capital Territory provide enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment creation and revenue generation.
Abdul maintained that despite the challenges facing the state, Kogi still possesses enormous human and material resources capable of driving sustainable development.
He urged the government and citizens to seize the opportunity of the 35th anniversary to rethink the state’s development trajectory and build a Kogi capable of competing favourably with other states in Nigeria.
“Kogi State is in need of development and good leadership that will promote good governance,” the organisation stressed, calling on citizens to become more concerned about the level of development in the state and demand accountability from their leaders.
The statement concluded with a call for renewed commitment to transparency, anti-corruption, citizen participation and sustainable economic development as Kogi enters another chapter of its existence.
Long live Kogi State, and happy 35th anniversary.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, 29TH AUGUST, 2027)
