Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State has raised concerns over the prevalent use of direct labor in local government contracts.
Expressing dissatisfaction with outgoing local government chairmen, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the need for a shift towards local content.
The governor stated this during a community engagement event marking the year’s end, he directed incoming chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to collaborate with Mr. Lekan Ijidale, the Director General of Local Content.
The aim is to ensure that local contractors play a pivotal role in projects such as market construction, culverts, shops, and schools.
Governor Oyebanji highlighted the economic benefits of patronizing local contractors, asserting that it would contribute significantly to the growth and development of the local and state economy.
Notably, Mr. Lekan Ijidale, recently appointed as the Director General of Local Content, is expected to guide this initiative in alignment with the shared prosperity agenda.
The Governor also mandated strict adherence to local content laws when awarding contracts by all elected chairmen of local governments.