Local Government Autonomy Takes Center Stage at Leadership Lecture Series in Nigeria
By Matthew Eloyi
The latest edition of the Leadership Lecture Series of the African Centre for leadership Strategies and Development’s Leadership School Alumni Association, spotlighted the importance of local government autonomy in Nigeria, bringing together policymakers, civic leaders, and alumni from across the country. The event featured keynote speaker Waziri Adio, the Executive Director, Agora Policy, who discussed the financial autonomy of local governments and its potential benefits for grassroots governance and development.
Ambassador Stanley Chukwuemeka Okereafor, the alumni association president, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, while the founding executive director, Dr. Otive Igbuzo, set the stage with a call for active engagement in local governance. Otive highlighted the foundational role of financial autonomy in empowering local governments to fulfill their economic planning, service delivery, and infrastructure development mandates. However, he acknowledged the need for improved accountability to ensure these funds are well-utilized.
In his keynote address, Waziri Adoo delved into the challenges facing local governments, particularly around capacity, accountability, and citizen involvement. He noted that while decentralization can be a vehicle for development, it requires administrative efficiency, active community participation, and robust oversight to succeed. “Decentralization alone does not automatically lead to development,” Waziri cautioned. “What’s essential is the proximity of administration to the people, coupled with accountability and responsiveness.”
Waziri also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments, emphasizing the potential positive impact of this decision. However, he warned that financial independence alone will not solve the systemic issues, including corruption and resource misallocation, that often hinder local governance effectiveness. To address these challenges, Waziri proposed five strategies to enhance accountability, including participatory budgeting, citizen monitoring groups, and youth mobilization for local government oversight.
The lecture, held on Tuesday October 29, 2024, via zoom, and moderated by the former/pioneer Secretary General of the Alumni, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, concluded with a vibrant discussion on next steps, as alumni members and participants committed to supporting local governance through increased community engagement and advocacy. Notable action points included:
– Alumni members pledged to get more involved in local governance, learning about their local officials, and actively participating in civic affairs.
– Community groups were proposed to monitor local government activities and advocate for transparent budgeting processes.
– Plans were made to organize future lectures with higher attendance to deepen leadership skills and civic understanding.
– Agora Policy committed to building a database of local government information, assisting civil society organizations to focus on local government areas, and encouraging media outlets to boost their coverage of local affairs.
Waziri emphasized the need for patience and continued dedication, stressing that transformative change at the grassroots level would be gradual but worthwhile. “Real progress requires perseverance and a collaborative approach. Let’s all be the change-makers our communities need,” he said.
As the event wrapped up, attendees left with a renewed commitment to fostering effective local governance and a call to make a tangible impact within their communities. The alumni association’s ongoing initiatives aim to empower citizens and build a stronger, more responsive local government system across Nigeria.
