The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed support for the administrative and financial autonomy of local government councils across the country.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, during the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment.
The programme was convened by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
According to him, a majority of states now have duly elected local government councils in place, signaling a strengthened commitment to democracy at the grassroots level.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Chijioke Chukwu, he stated that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) acknowledges the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy as a pivotal development with significant implications for governance.
He stated that granting autonomy offers a significant opportunity to enhance service delivery across vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and other social services.
“By empowering local governments to manage resources effectively, we can collectively ensure that development reaches every Nigerian, regardless of how remote their community may be.”
“The Governor’s Forum is steadfast in its dedication to the full realisation of local government autonomy. Governors are committed to working alongside key stakeholders, development partners, civil society organizations, and all arms of government, to ensure that this autonomy brings about tangible benefits for the people.
“We believe that a well-structured autonomy, supported by a coordinated implementation framework, will not only enhance accountability and resource management efficiency but also drive progress towards sustainable development goals at the sub-national level. By working together, we can transform the local government system into a dynamic force for economic growth, social development, and national unity.”
“The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and impactful transition towards local government autonomy. The Forum emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in building a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, condemned the current state of local government elections in the country, describing the process as disgraceful. He stressed the urgent need to address these issues to ensure the integrity and credibility of local governance.
Abbas stressed the need to address the unacceptable state of local government elections, calling for urgent reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and openness in the process. Achieving this goal, he stated, would require the cooperation and mutual understanding of state governors and Houses of Assembly.
He also pointed out that convincing the stakeholders of the importance of a stronger local government system could help alleviate unnecessary burdens on the states, ultimately fostering grassroots development.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized that the national dialogue is part of an ongoing series of consultations aimed at gathering the views and preferences of citizens in the pursuit of a truly people’s constitution for Nigeria.
The lawmaker stated that the dialogue provides a crucial platform for substantive discussions, which will play a significant role in guiding the Constitution Review Committee’s efforts to make informed recommendations for amending the relevant provisions of the Constitution.
Abbas said that ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the status of local government councils is of utmost importance.
He pointed out that the issue is pivotal to the integrity of our governance structure, particularly the local government system.
According to Abbas, local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, are crucial in providing essential services, promoting community development, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are effectively represented at all levels of governance.
The Speaker stated that for local governments to effectively fulfill their roles, they must be granted a level of autonomy that enables them to address the unique needs of their communities in a timely and appropriate manner.
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