Let The Local Government Breathe -By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

There is no disputing the fact that the local government in Nigeria plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development at the grassroots level. Its significance lies in its proximity to the people, allowing it to better understand and address their needs.

Local governments are established as political and administrative organs responsible for delivering essential services to the people. Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution clearly spells out the functions of the local government which include the provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education, the development of agricultural and natural resources, responsibility of the assessment and collection of tenement rates, control and regulation of OOH advertising licensing et al.

However, despite its potential, the local government’s performance in promoting grassroots development in Nigeria has been disappointing. In fact, state governments view the local councils as mere appendages. They have continued to encroach upon what would have been the exclusive preserve of local governments, leaving them ill-equipped to undertake significant infrastructure projects. As a result, basic amenities like roads suffer, impacting the lives of millions of Nigerians. What they don’t know, and proponents of decentralization will agree, is that the more governmental authority and powers are devolved to local bodies, the better-informed, the government will be about the needs of the people (Nwosu, 1991)

As the closest government to the people, and thus being disposed to more information about problems confronting the people and how to manage the same well (Ola, 1984), it is crucial to reposition this third tier for effective grassroot democracy

In 2020, former President Buhari signed an executive order to grant autonomy to the local government councils as the third tier of government. What has happened to that order? I am not sure that there has been any sort of implementation. Matter of fact we have had a series of reforms from 1976 to 1979 to 1984, 1988 to 2003; the question now becomes why have successive reforms of the Nigerian local government system not yielded any significant improvement on grassroots governance? The answer is poor implementation of all recommendations as we are wont in this clime.

It is time for broader reforms that will go hand in hand with efforts to address and sanitize local government administration. These broader reforms should include constitutional changes and policy adjustments that strengthen the autonomy and capacity of local governments.

Local government autonomy question is a critical concern that requires urgent attention. When local governments are granted autonomy, they gain the freedom to initiate development projects and design effective implementation strategies. They are able to identify and prioritize the specific needs of their communities and design tailored solutions. As a result, communities can witness more tangible and sustainable improvements in their standard of living and overall well-being. Autonomy also enhances their capacity to mobilize and manage local resources efficiently.

Local government autonomy is a key factor in institutionalizing good governance, which, in turn, fosters sustainable development. When local governments have the power to govern independently, they can be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This accountability, combined with responsible governance practices, ensures that development efforts are transparent, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the community.

There is an urgent need for the Bola Tinubu led Federal Government to genuinely superintend the repositioning of the Local Government system in Nigeria. Efforts should be made to reduce the long-standing concern of condescending control of local governments by the state governments.

It’s also time Local governments started to receive their monthly statutory allocation directly from the Federation Account.

Similarly, the State and Local Government’s Joint Account management that has been a problem since its advent in the 1976 local government reforms should be abolished! This will enhance the financial autonomy of local governments and reduce state government interference.

Plus, what’s the need for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs charged with the task of supervising local governments? That’s a choke hold! Out the door, please!

The reform must also include, as a friend will put it, “cutting the umbilical cord between the local government and the state governments”- The practice of refusing to conduct local government elections or Governors ultimately determining 100% who becomes what at the local government level must stop.

A more prosperous and inclusive nation can be built on the foundation of strong and capable local governments. When they are well-equipped and supported, they can act as engines of development, driving progress in all areas of society.

The time for genuine reform is now, and with the right approach, local governments can become effective catalysts for sustainable development and better living conditions for all Nigerians.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro
chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com