Kehinde Fajobi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has highlighted inadequate funding as a critical barrier to local government autonomy in Nigeria, urging reforms to strengthen local government administration.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu at a National Dialogue on Local Government Reform and Constitutional Amendment in Abuja, Abbas pointed out that local governments often face financial constraints that hinder their ability to deliver essential services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“Local governments often operate on budgets that are insufficient to meet their responsibilities.
“This financial constraint limits their ability to deliver essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and sanitation,” Abbas said.
He emphasised the need for greater autonomy, stating, “Local governments must operate with a degree of autonomy that allows them to respond promptly and appropriately to the unique needs of their communities.
“Sadly, significant challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, and corruption, have plagued local governments for decades.”
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also weighed in on the debate, stressing the importance of accountability in managing local government funds.
He pointed to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution that assign local governments responsibilities like primary healthcare and sanitation, but lamented poor financial oversight.
“Local government councils are in charge of primary health care, sanitation, and road construction. During my tenure, we conducted free and fair elections, allowing opposition parties to win some councillor positions.
“Accountability is critical. Every expenditure above ₦500,000 was scrutinised to ensure funds were judiciously utilised,” Kalu said.
Kalu further advocated for the separation of state and local government responsibilities, citing the example of primary school teachers’ salaries, which remain the responsibility of local governments.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole added that local government autonomy must go beyond legal provisions, suggesting that it should address deeper issues related to governance.
“The issue of local government autonomy is not just legal. Autonomy to do what? To misuse funds or to remain ineffective? These issues are far more complex than mere autonomy from state control,” Oshiomhole stated.
In his address, Deputy Speaker Kalu, represented by House Majority Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, called for a coordinated effort among stakeholders to reform the system.
“Local governments, as the closest tier of government, are pivotal in delivering essential services and enhancing democratic participation.
“Yet, limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity hinder their effectiveness,” Kalu noted.
He further stressed the need for both financial and administrative autonomy, alongside constitutional amendments, to empower local governments as independent partners in governance.
“Achieving these reforms will require collaboration among federal and state governments, lawmakers, judicial bodies, civil society, traditional leaders, and local communities.
“It is only through collective effort that we can chart a path toward equitable and accountable governance,” Kalu concluded.