LOCAL governments, as the third tier of government, occupy a very important place in the larger scheme of governance in Nigeria, as it is the next to the federal and state governments.
The expectations of creating the local government are to guarantee sustainable development at the grassroots, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The key roles/responsibilities assigned to the local governments include providing environmental health services, primary healthcare, primary education, social welfare services, infrastructure development, revenue generation, community development, and more.
After 49 years or more of local government administration in Nigeria, can one really say that the third tier of government has done satisfactorily well in the larger structure of governance in Nigeria?
Tracing the development of local government administration and what one sees on the ground, some observers would lament that transformation at the grassroots has remained pedestrian and development quite dismal.
On this premise, the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who is known for saying things as they are, recently tasked local government chairmen and councillors across the State to seize the opportunities inherent in the principle of financial autonomy to drive sustainable grassroots development, tackle insecurity and improve service delivery to the people.
Speaking at the Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium 2025 in Asaba, the State Capital, with the theme “Repositioning the Grassroots, Strengthening Development, Local Governance and Sustainable development in Nigeria’’, Governor Oborevwori said the recent Supreme Court Judgement granting local governments full autonomy was a constitutional milestone that has now removed every excuse for non-performance. This is just the bare truth.
Before this time, the excuse for non-performance was a lack of funds. Now that the Federal Government has won the case to make money available directly to local governments instead of passing through the States, which were accused of allegedly hijacking part of the money, what excuse will the local governments give?
We commend Governor Oborevwori for telling the local government chairmen the truth. Yes, financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria refers to the ability of local governments to manage their financial resources independently, without interference from state governments.
No doubt, the local government autonomy has several advantages, including improved service delivery, enhanced accountability, reduced dependency, promoting grassroots development, encouraging community participation, increased responsiveness, encouraging efficiency and overall good governance.
Now that local governments in Nigeria have been granted financial autonomy, allowing them to manage their finances independently and make decisions without interference from State governments, where will these non-performing local governments’ chairmen run to?
This is because the effective utilisation of autonomy by local governments will depend on their ability to manage their finances efficiently and prioritise the needs of the people at the grassroots. This remains to be seen, and the Governor is watching.
Lifestyle spoke to a cross-section of the people on this milestone judgment. To this, many believe that financial autonomy will enable local governments to deliver services more effectively, responding to the local needs and priorities, and reduce dependence on State governments and can now manage their finances independently without external interference.
With greater autonomy, some people say local governments will be more accountable to their constituents, promoting transparency and good governance.
One Benjamin Uzoka in Asaba said that if well utilised, it would be the best thing that would happen to Nigeria. He said that development starts and develops from the grassroots and the local governments, adding that the system is simple.
“If the local governments are developed, then it flows to the States and then to the whole nation. Thus, if the local governments use the money allocated to them to develop their areas, then the whole place would be developed in no time. ‘’
There is no doubt that the move will boost grassroots development efforts and other potential benefits for local government workers. Everybody is waiting for the implementation of the policy, as it is going to be a major test for the politicians at the local government level. Whatever will happen, time will tell. It is really a huge task for the local government chairmen and councillors. We wait and watch as the development unfolds.
