Nigerian Senate to amend constitution for implementation of LG Autonomy

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced plans by the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian Constitution to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government (LG) autonomy.

Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday, citing the need to remove ambiguities and ensure LGs are truly autonomous.

“The Supreme Court has spoken, and it’s time to take concrete steps towards implementing LG autonomy,” Akpabio said. “The proposed constitutional amendment will guarantee LGs manage their affairs without undue interference.”

The move comes as governors continue to delay implementing LG autonomy, granted by the Federal Government.

Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi hailed the Supreme Court’s judgment, emphasizing its significance in promoting grassroots governance.

“This amendment will strengthen democracy and ensure LGs prioritize development projects tailored to their needs,” Fagbemi said.

The proposed amendment has sparked optimism among Nigerians, who hope LG autonomy will become a reality.

“The National Assembly must ensure swift passage of this amendment,” said Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, a political analyst. “LG autonomy is crucial for effective governance.”

The Senate President’s move has set the stage for a potential showdown with governors resisting LG autonomy.

Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria

Local government autonomy in Nigeria has been a long-standing issue. The country’s Supreme Court recently granted financial autonomy to Local Government Areas (LGAs) in a landmark judgment.

This move is expected to drive grassroots development, particularly in primary healthcare, which is critical to any successful healthcare system.

With financial autonomy, local governments will be able to manage their affairs without undue interference from state governments.

This means they can prioritize healthcare initiatives based on local needs, provide oversight, and minimize opportunities for corruption and mismanagement ¹.

*Key Benefits of Local Government Autonomy:

– Improved Primary Healthcare:

Local governments can employ skilled healthcare workers, equip primary health centers with necessary medical supplies, and improve the quality of care.

– Enhanced Governance: Financial autonomy promotes transparency and accountability, allowing community stakeholders to monitor how funds are used.

-Increased Accountability: Citizens can hold local governments accountable for their actions and decisions.

However, realizing the benefits of local government autonomy won’t be easy. There are already mixed reactions to the judgment, and several hurdles need to be overcome.

These include conducting credible local government elections and ensuring intentional efforts to promote accountability and transparency.

Despite these challenges, experts believe that local government autonomy can have a positive impact on Nigeria’s development.

As Professor Obinna Onwujekwe notes, “with serious and results-oriented chairpersons, local government financial autonomy can be a game-changer.”

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