Local government autonomy represents one of Nigeria’s most overlooked but essential pathways to sustainable development and improved governance. The current system binds local governments to state oversight, where they lack the resources, independence, and authority to serve their communities effectively. The potential for change, however, is immense if autonomy is granted. Local governments are, after all, the tier of governance closest to the people, uniquely positioned to address grassroots needs and drive development at a community level.
The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 7(1), guarantees “the system of local government by democratically elected local government councils,” suggesting that local governments should operate independently. However, this constitutional guarantee remains largely theoretical due to the influence exerted by state governments, who control not only funding but also administrative processes. The absence of true autonomy limits local governments, making them dependent and unable to execute many of their constitutional functions effectively.
True autonomy would mean that local governments could generate, manage, and allocate their funds without needing state approval. This fiscal independence is crucial to empowering them to prioritize local projects and address specific needs, from building schools and improving health clinics to maintaining rural roads and supporting agricultural initiatives. Imagine a community where the local government could swiftly address issues like water scarcity or inadequate healthcare infrastructure without waiting for state or federal intervention—a truly transformative scenario for millions across the country.
A significant part of the autonomy conversation revolves around funding. Section 162(6) of the Constitution mandates the use of a State Joint Local Government Account to distribute federal funds to local governments. In practice, this system has allowed states to control local government finances, often leaving little for actual development at the community level. The frequent withholding or diversion of these funds by state governments results in communities left in limbo, unable to see even the most basic improvements. An amendment that allows local governments direct access to their funds would be a powerful step forward, giving local authorities the ability to operate independently and be accountable to their communities.
Read also: The Impact of Political Apathy on Democracy
An autonomous local government structure would also include tenure limits and direct accountability to the electorate. Just as the president and governors serve terms that reflect their responsibility to the people, local government chairpersons should operate on a four-year term, renewable only once. Section 7 of the Constitution already mandates this, ensuring leaders do not cling to power indefinitely and that communities have the opportunity to bring in new ideas and leadership. This system also encourages local government officials to make real, tangible improvements that resonate with voters, knowing they, too, face re-election based on their achievements.
By granting local governments autonomy, we would empower them to take ownership of their roles in governance, operating with the same level of responsibility and vision as their counterparts at the state and federal levels. Autonomy encourages accountability, innovation, and responsiveness—qualities often lacking in Nigeria’s governance due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and the centralized nature of decision-making. An autonomous local government could directly address issues like youth unemployment by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises or even promoting agricultural initiatives that drive local economies.
Moreover, this autonomy would foster healthy competition among local governments. Just as states vie to attract investment and improve their governance standings, local governments would be motivated to outperform one another in delivering services and infrastructure improvements. Citizens would benefit from this shift, as communities would see real investments in projects that matter to them, rather than waiting years for state allocations that often fall short of expectations.
Local government autonomy is not merely about decentralizing power but about strengthening Nigeria’s democracy at its core. Autonomy allows each level of government to fulfill its constitutional role effectively, as intended by the architects of our democratic system. We must view the Constitution not only as a framework for governance but as a guarantee that every Nigerian has access to leaders who prioritize their interests and address their concerns. Local government autonomy honors this promise, giving every community a fair chance to flourish.
In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, the centralization of power has limited our ability to respond to each community’s unique challenges. Autonomy would bring governance closer to the people, allowing decisions to reflect the realities of each locality, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the remote villages of Borno. It would reframe governance as a collaborative endeavor between the people and their representatives, fostering a culture where elected officials are truly accountable to those they serve.
We stand at a pivotal moment where we must choose between maintaining the status quo and embracing a structure that empowers local governments. Our Constitution provides the foundation for local government autonomy, and it is high time we actualized it. By granting local governments the power to govern, we build a system where every Nigerian can access effective leadership, be heard, and witness tangible improvements in their daily lives. Let us recognize that autonomy is not a gift to local governments but a right owed to every Nigerian citizen and a necessary step toward the nation we envision.
Kunle Lawal thinks
Executive Director
Electoral college Nigeria
