Financial autonomy: NGF, state assemblies pledge support for LG administrative

Finally, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Conference of Speakers and Heads of Legislators on Monday expressed support for the administrative and financial autonomy of Local Government Councils in the country.

The NGF Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State expressed the Forum’s solidarity in Abuja during the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment organised by the House of Representatives’ Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

He averred that majority of the States of the Federation have duly elected local government councils in place, reflecting a strengthening commitment to democracy at a grassroots level.

Governor AbdulRazaq who was represented by the NGF’s Director, Legal Services, Mr. Chijioke Chukwu assured that the Forum recognizes the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government autonomy as a landmark development with profound implications for governance.

While acknowledging that autonomy presents an opportunity to deepen service, to deepen service delivery across critical sectors, particularly healthcare, education and other social services, the NGF helmsman admitted that by empowering Local Governments to manage resources effectively, we can collectively ensure that development to choose every Nigerian, no matter how remote their community may be.

“The Governor’s Forum remains resolute in its commitment to the effective implementation of local government autonomy. The Governors are keen to collaborate with stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, and other arms of government to translate this autonomy into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.

“It is our belief that a well-structured autonomy with mutually aligned implementation framework would not only drive accountability and efficiency in resource management, but would also catalyze sustainable development goals at the sub-national level.

“Together, we can transform the local government system into a vibrant vehicle for economic growth, social development, and national integration.

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“The Nigerian Governors Forum also reiterates its readiness to ensure that this transition to local government autonomy is impactful. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and State Legislatures, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said the issue of the independence and autonomy of local governments is at the heart of grassroots governance and development in Nigeria.

Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly was represented by the Speaker of the Jigawa House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Aliyu.

“Local Governments will be pivotal to delivering essential services.fostering community participation and ensuring inclusive development. However, achieving this require robust financial and administrative independence, as well as transparent, credible, and legitimate elections.

“The State Legislatures play an indispensable role in the realization of these goals as constitutionally empowered bodies.We are the gatekeepers of democracy and the sub-national levels.

“It is our duty to enact laws that empower local governments, ensure accountability, and provide oversight that guarantees the proper utilization of resources for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.

I’m hos remarks, Director of Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cynthia Rowe, said local governments brings governance closer to the people and has real impact on the lives of the people.

She stressed the need for a proper local government system for the benefit of citizens.

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