Lack of Autonomy, Other Factors Killing LGs, Stifling National Development – Speaker Abbas
By Juliet Vincent
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen has stated that, inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, insufficient capacity, usurpation of its functions by other levels of government, corruption, and many more than are plaguing local governments for decades stifle local governance and impede national development, hence the need for urgent reform.
He made the assertion in his opening remake at the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment In Abuja on Monday.
He further in formed that, inadequate funding remains one of the most significant obstacles for local governments because they often operate on budgets that are insufficient to meet their responsibilities.
Speaker Abbas said, “This financial constraint limits their ability to deliver essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and sanitation. As a result, many communities continue to suffer from poor living conditions and lack access to basic amenities.
“Moreover, the lack of autonomy is another critical issue facing local governments in Nigeria. The current structure often places local administrations under the control of state governments, which can lead to interference in their operations and decision-making processes. This lack of independence stifles innovation and accountability at the local level.
“Additionally, insufficient capacity—both in terms of human resources and institutional frameworks—has hindered effective governance at the local level. Many local government officials lack the necessary training and skills required for efficient administration. This gap not only affects service delivery but also erodes public trust in local governance”.
According to him, one of the most pressing issues that must be dealt with, is the poor quality of elections into local government councils across states.
The Speaker added, “This situation not only undermines the very essence of democracy but also raises serious concerns about the integrity and functionality of our local governance structures. When elections are characterized by a lack of competitiveness—wherein the ruling party sweeps all positions—it becomes evident that we are witnessing a mockery of democratic principles.
“This scenario is not merely an embarrassment; it poses a significant threat to our democracy. It fosters an environment where undesirable elements infiltrate these councils, often lacking the necessary capacity and vision to govern effectively.
“Consequently, local governments become mere appendages of state governments or pawns in the hands of so-called godfathers who manipulate political outcomes for their own gain,” he noted.
