Abuja, Nigeria — June 13, 2024 — The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to commence a significant push for local government autonomy, with hearings beginning today. This initiative, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to strengthen the local government system and ensure more effective and autonomous local governance across the country.
The Federal Government’s proposal includes several key measures designed to empower local governments and reduce state-level interference. These measures are as follows:
- Full Access to Local Government Allocations: Local government administrators will gain complete control over their financial allocations, ensuring that funds designated for local government use are managed at the local level without state intervention.
- Protection of Democratically Elected Officials: State governors will no longer possess the authority to dissolve democratically elected local government officials. This move is intended to safeguard the autonomy and stability of local governments, ensuring that elected representatives can serve their full terms.
- Abolition of Caretaker Committees: The use of caretaker committees to manage local governments will be abolished. Instead, local governments will be run exclusively by elected representatives, promoting democratic governance and accountability.
- Restriction on State Access to Local Government Funds: State governments will be prohibited from accessing funds allocated to local government areas. This measure is aimed at preventing the diversion of local government resources and ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes at the local level.
President Tinubu has emphasized the importance of a strong and autonomous local government system in Nigeria. “Our local governments are the bedrock of community development and grassroots democracy. By empowering them, we are ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people, and that local issues are addressed more effectively and efficiently,” Tinubu stated.
The hearings, which begin today, will take place over several days, with key stakeholders from various sectors expected to provide input and feedback on the proposed measures. The initiative has garnered significant attention, with many viewing it as a critical step towards enhancing local governance and fostering sustainable development across Nigeria.
The Federal Government’s commitment to local government autonomy is seen as a pivotal move in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance at the grassroots level. As the hearings proceed, all eyes will be on the outcomes and potential impact of these proposed changes on the future of local government administration in Nigeria.
