By NewsAblaze Correspondent
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening local governance and fully implementing local government autonomy in Nigeria. This was emphasized at the Nigeria Local Government Development Summit in Abuja, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
The Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, MFR, delivered a goodwill message and formally declared the two-day summit open. Themed “The Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy and the Future of Local Government Administration and Grassroots Development,” the summit brought together members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, local government administrators, and development partners to explore the ruling’s impact.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, described the ruling as a historic opportunity to transform grassroots governance. He emphasized that ensuring financial and administrative independence for local governments would lead to improved service delivery and sustainable development.
“Our Ministry is fully committed to enhancing intergovernmental collaboration to ensure that local government autonomy leads to meaningful development. A strong and effective local government system is the foundation of national progress, and we stand ready to support initiatives that strengthen governance at the grassroots in line with the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he stated.
Dr. Ihemelandu also highlighted the Ministry’s plans to foster partnerships with local governments, development agencies, and private sector actors. These collaborations, he said, would focus on capacity building, infrastructure development, and service delivery improvements.
He called on all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, to work together in advancing policies that empower local governments to function effectively. “Local government autonomy must go beyond policy declarations; it requires deliberate action, strong intergovernmental cooperation, and accountability. This summit presents a crucial platform for exploring practical solutions and forging strategic partnerships that will drive real grassroots development,” he added.
The summit, organized by the Committee on States and Local Government Administration, aims to provide a roadmap for the full implementation of local government autonomy in Nigeria. Participants are expected to engage in high-level discussions and develop strategies to enhance governance at the grassroots level.
The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering support for local governance reforms, emphasizing that autonomy should translate into tangible development outcomes for Nigerians.
