LG Autonomy Will Transform Rural Areas – Nigeria Governors’ Forum

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said the 36 state governors are committed to achieving a completely autonomous local government to ensure development in the grassroots.

The Chairman of NGF and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the ruling of the Supreme Court was in order, noting that it would help ensure economic viability of the rural areas.

Governor Abdulrazaq stated this on Tuesday at the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment organized by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

Represented by the Director of Legal Services of the Forum, Chijioke Chukwu, the NGF Chairman explained that autonomy would deepen democracy and accountability, guaranteeing efficient service delivery in critical sectors including healthcare, education and security.

He assured of the commitment of the country’s 36 state governors in ensuring the transition to full autonomy is achieved.

“By empowering local governments to manage resources effectively, we can collectively ensure that development reaches every Nigerian, no matter how remote their community may be.

“The Governors’ Forum remains resolute in its commitment to the effective implementation of local government autonomy. The Governors are keen to collaborate with stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, and other arms of government, to translate this autonomy into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.

“It is our belief that a well-structured autonomy with a mutually aligned implementation framework would not only drive accountability and efficiency in resource management but also catalyze sustainable development goals at the sub-national level. Together, we can transform the local government system into a vibrant vehicle for economic growth, social development, and national integration.

“The Nigerian Governors’ Forum also reiterates its readiness to ensure that this transition to local government autonomy is impactful. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” the Guardian quoted him.