World Bank, Kaduna Govt Inaugurates Committee to Handle Grievance Redress Emanating from Agro-Processing, Production
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
World Bank and the Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a committee to handle grievance redress emanating from it’s Agro-Processing, Production Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS) in the state.
The committee which was inaugurated on Friday by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, is saddled with the responsibility of reviewing complains received and provide mediation to resolve the issues emanating from the World Bank Project in the state.
It is also to identify outstanding complaints and recommend referrals; and Keep records of complains, resolutions and extract lessons
learnt.
APPEALS is a Federal Government project supported by World Bank being implemented in the 36 States of the Federation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Balarabe, noted that the project is the needed impetus for improving agriculture in the state.
According to her, Grievance Redress Committee is needed tool that will drive the success of the APPEALS Project in the state, adding that the gesture will attract more investments that will lead to creation of more jobs in the state.
She therefore congratulate members of the committee and also thanking thrm for accepting their appointment, saying “on behalf of the governor of Kaduna State, I want to thank Justice Zailani and other members of the committee for accepting the task.”
In a brief remark by Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who also doubles as Chairman APPEALS Technical Committee, Dr. Mohammed Bello Umar, said the World Bank is committed to enhancing opportunities for grievance redress, collaborative problem solving, and alternative dispute resolution.
He added that effectively addressing
grievances from people impacted by World Bank projects is a core
component of managing operational risk.
“Grievance redress mechanisms (GRMS) is an effective tool for early
identification, assessment, and resolution of complaints on projects
and are increasingly important for development projects to improve
project outcomes and help both project teams and beneficiaries to
improve results.
“The Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) is key strategy of addressing issues, concerns, problems, (perceived or actual) that an individual or a community may raise. As project-level problem solving mechanism, the Committee will facilitates resolution of grievance raised by people directly affected by environmental and social
impacts under the APPEALS Project.
“The GRC is expected to be GBV sensitive and demonstrate
responsiveness and early resolution of issues.” The Permanent Secretary explained.
Those inaugurated are Honourable Justice Tanimu Zailani (former Chief Judge of the state), as Chairman, while other members are; Yahaya Aminu, Dr. Habib’s Tukur, Mr. Musa John (NSCDC), Mr. Henry Jonathan and Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu.
Alhaji Rufai Mohammed, Mrs. Tabitha Jummai, Mr. Habibu Lawal, Barrister Priscilla Akut, Mrs. Aisha Idris, Mrs. Farida Abubakar amongst others.
