By Ogalla Daniel
Kogi State House of Assembly has stepped down the 2026 budget proposal of Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA), pending further clarifications from the agency’s leadership.
The decision was announced during the budget defense session of the Ministry of Works where lawmakers raised concerns over ongoing road projects under the first phase of the current administration’s intervention programme.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Member Representing Omala State Constituency, Hon. Umar Yahaya, expressed appreciation to all contributors, noting that accountability remains central to good governance.
“I want to sincerely appreciate every contributor because this is what we need. Governance is all about accountability.”
Hon. Yahaya acknowledged the observations raised by civil society organisations and other stakeholders, adding that clarifications would be provided where necessary.
“We don’t want to go back to the issues raised because the observation has been made. If further clarification is required, it will be provided accordingly,” he said, appreciating the Ministry of Works, technical aides, and CSOs for their input.
Addressing specific concerns related to KOGROMA, the lawmaker stated that although the Supervising Commissioner has tendered apologies and pledged to review contentious projects, the committee would require direct engagement with the agency’s leadership.
“We are going to invite the MD and possibly the GM for specific technical questions on some of the ongoing projects under the phase one programme covering eight local governments with 10 kilometers each.”
Hon. Yahaya noted that his own constituency, Omala was among the benefiting communities in Kogi East, where asphalting works are currently ongoing.
He emphasised that the committee will only proceed with consideration of the agency’s budget after receiving satisfactory explanations from the Managing Director and other key officials of KOGROMA.
