Bottom-up

Nigeria’s Federal Government has said it will organise training for Local Government officials and traditional rulers on managing local…

Nigeria’s Federal Government has said it will organise training for Local Government officials and traditional rulers on managing local councils to support local government autonomy. The Supreme Court had, on 11 July 2024, declared that the denial of financial autonomy to local governments, which has persisted for over two decades, is unconstitutional. The court’s decision (SC/CV/343/2024) affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments and criticised state governors’ use of state joint accounts to manipulate funds. It mandates local governments to manage their finances independently and prohibits further fund allocation without elected council oversight.

In Nigeria, the importance of improving the capacity, independence, and actual authority of LGAs cannot be overstated because they are the closest government bodies to the people, which makes them well-positioned to feel, identify, and address local issues effectively. Many LGAs in Nigeria cover areas larger and more populous than entire countries such as Barbados, Cyprus or Singapore. For instance, Lekki in Lagos State alone boasts a population larger than Cyprus’s, underscoring the immense responsibility and potential these local governments hold. Granting LGAs full autonomy allows them to tailor their governance and development initiatives to the specific needs of their communities. However, during the era of military rule and for over two decades of civilian government, state governments in Nigeria have been reluctant to grant LGAs the financial and political autonomy needed to function independently. This reluctance stems from the desire to maintain financial control and political influence over local governments, which has led to inefficiencies and a disconnect between the needs of local communities and the policies implemented by state governments. The persistent denial of financial autonomy to LGAs necessitated a request for intervention by the judiciary. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the FG announced plans to train local officials on managing local councils. However, there are rumours that the Tinubu administration’s push for local government autonomy is to bypass state governors and establish direct control over LGAs, potentially reshaping the political landscape in its favour. While the intention to strengthen local governance is laudable, the potential for political manoeuvring raises concerns about the true motivations behind these reforms. The long-term practicality of this ambition is highly questionable, too, considering that Nigeria is a country of vast ethnic and regional diversity. These differences create unique local dynamics that a central authority may struggle to navigate effectively. Notwithstanding, improving the capacity for local government independence will help local elites develop tailored micro-visions for their areas, which will address specific local needs, leverage unique regional strengths, and drive development from the ground up. For instance, an LGA in the agricultural heartland of the Middle Belt might focus on enhancing farming techniques, developing agro-processing industries, and improving rural infrastructure. At the same time, one in a coastal region might prioritise fishing, port development, and marine conservation. This bottom-up approach ensures that the national vision is a collective tapestry of the aspirations and potentials of Nigeria’s varied regions. Such a national vision would be more inclusive, reflective of the country’s rich diversity, and capable of fostering unity and collective will. Recognising and integrating the strengths and needs of each LGA can help Nigeria develop a coherent strategy, harness local potential, and ensure grassroots involvement. This local buy-in is crucial for the success of any national plan.