The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says systemic issues that have long plagued local government administration must be confronted and addressed for effective governance.

Mr Kalu made the statement on Monday at the opening of a national dialogue organised by the House Committee on Review of Constitution in Abuja.

He said the local governments, being the closest to citizens, are crucial to ensuring the delivery of essential services and enhancing democratic participation.

“However, as we are all acutely aware, the current state of local government council areas in Nigeria leaves much to be desired.

“Issues of limited autonomy constrained financial independence and weakened administrative capacity have continued to hinder their effectiveness.

“Together, we have the potential to lay the groundwork for a reform process that will transform local governance in Nigeria, ensuring that no community is left behind in our collective pursuit of progress and prosperity,” he said.

Mr Kalu said the recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming that local government must be democratically elected and that their statutory allocations be paid directly to them marks a watershed moment in the nation’s governance journey.

According to him, this ruling underscores the importance of ensuring that governance at all levels adheres to democratic principles and serves the people’s best interests.

The lawmaker said realising the intent and impact of the judgment on the role of local governments as independent and effective partners in Nigeria’s governance structure must be reimagined.

He said the focus areas for the dialogue included financial and administrative autonomy, which are foundational to a governance system that is equitable, inclusive and accountable.

“Achieving these reforms will require a coordinated effort among federal and state governments, lawmakers, judicial bodies, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and local communities,” said Mr Kalu.

The deputy speaker said the Reps committee has been at the forefront of efforts to address governance challenges and the need for local government reforms.

“This national dialogue offers us an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding, align our strategies and build a coalition of stakeholders who will champion this course at every level.

“As we embark on today’s discussions, I urge us all to approach this dialogue with a shared sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, accountability and service delivery,” he said.

He said the outcome of the dialogue must be rooted in a vision of a Nigeria where local governments are empowered to truly serve their constituencies.

The lawmaker said the journey toward local government autonomy was not just a legislative or administrative challenge but a moral imperative that speaks to the heart of democratic ethos.

(NAN)