In a significant policy shift, the Federal Government has announced its intention to restore the full functions of local governments as the third tier of governance in Nigeria. This move aims to address the longstanding neglect and undue control exerted by state governors over local government affairs.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has been vocal about the necessity of this restoration. During a recent press briefing, Fagbemi highlighted several loopholes in the 1999 Constitution that governors have exploited, leading to the impoverishment of the local government system.
Fagbemi emphasized that these constitutional gaps have allowed state governors to usurp local government funds and limit their autonomy, undermining the foundational principles of local governance. “The essence of local government as the closest tier of government to the people has been severely compromised. It is imperative that we rectify these constitutional deficiencies to ensure that local governments can function independently and effectively,” Fagbemi stated.
The Attorney General pointed out that this power imbalance has led to widespread underdevelopment and poor service delivery at the grassroots level. He called for immediate constitutional amendments to protect the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments.
The Federal Government’s initiative is expected to involve a series of legislative and policy reforms aimed at closing these constitutional lacunae. This includes ensuring direct allocation of funds to local governments and revising existing laws to curb the excessive control exercised by state governors.
This move has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some see it as a long-overdue step towards true federalism and enhanced local governance, while others, particularly from the state government circles, express concerns over potential conflicts and the practicality of the proposed changes.
As the debate continues, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing the local government system, asserting that empowering local governments is crucial for national development and democratic deepening. The coming months will be critical as these proposed reforms undergo scrutiny and debate in Nigerian Courts, with many hoping for a resolution that will pave the way for a more equitable and functional governance structure in Nigeria.