The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressing a distinguished gathering at the National Dialogue on Local Government Reform, called for urgent reforms aimed at empowering local governments and ensuring their autonomy.
He emphasized that this reform is crucial for improving governance at the grassroots level, where local governments play a pivotal role in delivering essential services and promoting democratic participation.
Acknowledging Stakeholders’ Support
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Speaker expressed his deep sense of responsibility, acknowledging the collective commitment of all stakeholders in advancing democratic principles and sustainable development. He also commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) for their ongoing support in the House of Representatives Committee’s review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Challenges Facing Local Governments
He pointed out that local governments, being the closest tier of government to the citizens, are vital for effective governance. However, he acknowledged that the current state of local government councils leaves much to be desired. Challenges such as limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity have hindered the effectiveness of these councils in serving their communities.
Supreme Court Ruling Marks a Turning Point
A key highlight of his address was the recent landmark Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the need for local government councils to be democratically elected and receive their statutory allocations directly. The ruling, the Deputy Speaker noted, marks a turning point in Nigeria’s governance journey. It reinforces the importance of adhering to democratic principles and ensuring that governance at all levels serves the people’s best interests.
Addressing Systemic Issues in Local Government Administration
However, the Deputy Speaker stressed that to fully realize the intent and impact of this historic decision, the systemic issues affecting local government administration must be addressed. He outlined the need to reimagine local governments as independent, effective partners in the country’s broader governance structure, with greater financial and administrative autonomy.
Focus Areas for Constitutional Amendments
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the specific areas of focus for the dialogue, which include constitutional amendments that would grant local governments the autonomy they need to perform their functions effectively. He argued that these reforms are not mere technical necessities but fundamental to building a governance system that is equitable, inclusive, and accountable.
A Coordinated Effort for Reform
He emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort among federal and state governments, lawmakers, judicial bodies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and local communities to achieve these reforms. Achieving local government autonomy, he noted, requires collective action, as all stakeholders must work together toward a common goal.
Collaboration with Key Stakeholders
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the efforts of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review in driving this process forward. He noted that recent engagements with key stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, reflect a firm commitment to building consensus and advancing constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening local governance.
Optimism for Meaningful Change
Despite the challenges, the Deputy Speaker expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful change. He urged all participants in the dialogue to approach the discussions with a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to upholding the ideals of democracy, accountability, and service delivery. He stressed that the outcomes of the dialogue should be rooted in a vision for a Nigeria where local governments are empowered to better serve their constituencies.
The Moral Imperative of Local Government Autonomy
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Speaker called on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, build understanding, and commit to actionable solutions. He underscored that the journey toward local government autonomy is not just a legislative or administrative challenge but a moral imperative that speaks to the core of Nigeria’s democratic values.
A Call for Collective Action
He expressed gratitude for the presence and contributions of all participants, emphasizing that the decisions made in this dialogue could shape the future of local governance in Nigeria. The Deputy Speaker concluded by reaffirming his belief in the collective ability to drive reforms that would ensure local governments stand as pillars of democratic governance and agents of sustainable development for all Nigerians.
With a strong call to action, he encouraged participants to work together in ensuring that the outcomes of the dialogue have a lasting impact far beyond the discussions, helping to build a Nigeria where no community is left behind in the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
