Village heads in Jigawa State have called on the state government to formally recognise their roles through official employment, saying it would improve service delivery and strengthen grassroots administration.
The appeal follows a recent increase in their monthly allowance from N2,000 to N10,000, approved by Governor Umar Namadi.
Speaking after the development, the village head of Maina in Ringim Local Government Area, Mallam Yahaya Ya’u, expressed appreciation to the governor for the increment but emphasised that more needs to be done to enhance their status.
He urged the government to issue formal appointment letters to village heads, similar to those given to district heads and other recognised traditional rulers. According to him, such recognition would better define their responsibilities and integrate them into the state’s administrative framework.
Yahaya noted that village heads play a critical role in maintaining peace, monitoring activities within their communities, and fostering harmony, particularly between farmers and herders.
He added that formalising their roles would empower them to contribute more effectively to grassroots governance, security, and overall community development.
