The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to promoting and implementing zonal intervention and constituency projects (ZIPs/CPs) nationwide.

Zephaniah Jisalo, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday during the second-quarter stakeholders’ interactive and citizens’ engagement forum, themed “Strengthening the Effective Implementation of ZIPs/CPs”.

‎Mr Jisalo, represented by Dr Onwusoro Maduka, a permanent secretary in the ministry, said the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the ministry had successfully produced Nigeria’s first comprehensive compendium on ZIPs/CPs, creating a structured national database of verified projects and programmes across the country.

He said the ministry’s project verification performance had improved considerably, from 28.88 per cent in 2023 to 43.13 per cent in 2024, reflecting stronger project oversight and monitoring.

The minister said between January 2023 and now, the ministry had successfully verified and issued mandates for 772 ZIPs.

He added that constituency projects and programmes, comprising 393 projects and 479 programmes across the country’s six geo-political zones, have also been verified.

Mr Jisalo said the ministry had also developed a geographic information system–project management information system (GIS-PMIS).

He described the ‎GIS-PMIS as an “innovative digital platform” that has enhanced verification, real-time project tracking, executive reporting, historical data management and evidence-based decision-making.

‎”These achievements clearly demonstrate that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into practical governance reforms driven by innovation, accountability and measurable results,” Mr Jisalo said.

‎He, however, noted that while the achievements were commendable, significant challenges remained to be tackled.

‎He identified some of the challenges as delays in project execution and funding, inadequate logistics for monitoring, weak inter-agency coordination and duplication of projects.

“There are also instances of non-compliance with the verification requirements by implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that continue to affect the effective implementation of ZIPs/CPs.

‎”These challenges underscore the importance of today’s engagement,” he said.

‎Earlier, the permanent secretary said that the forum was a continuation of the ministry’s commitment to fostering ‎dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders.

Mr Maduka noted that the success of the ZIPs/CPs depends not only on government efforts but also on active collaboration among implementing MDAs, development partners, CSOs, community leaders, and citizens.

‎”This forum, therefore, provides an important platform for open dialogue, constructive engagement and the exchange of ideas on improving, planning, implementing, monitoring and sustainability of ZIPs/CPs across the country,” he said.

‎Also speaking, the supervisory councillor for special duties and information, Austin Oche, lauded the sustainability of ZIPs/CPs and pledged continued support.

Similarly, the chairman of the Committee of Youth, Mobilisation and Sensitisation, Obima Nwaka, acknowledged that ZIPs were not only connecting with the grassroots but also making people feel the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

(NAN)