‘No Grassroots Devt without Liberation of LGs from States’ Control’

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Senator representing Oyo North, Oyo State, in the Senate, AbdulFatai Buhari, has raised an alarm that the country will not achieve genuine grassroots development without liberating the local government areas from the control of state governments.

This is just as he called for sweeping constitutional and fiscal reforms to strengthen local government autonomy.

The federal lawmaker gave the warning while delivering the anniversary lecture to mark the 3rd anniversary grand finale and award day of Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV), an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), titled: ‘Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: The Impact, Prospects, and Challenges’.

According to him, autonomy remains a vital but highly contested pillar of Nigeria’s federal system, noting that although the constitution recognises local government as the third tier, their actual empowerment has been eroded by legal ambiguity, financial dependence, and political interference.

Buhari criticised the State Joint Local Government Account, describing it as the biggest obstacle to grassroots development, as he stated that the constitutional recognition of local government has not translated into constitutional empowerment.

The lawmaker explained that autonomy is essential for effective service delivery, improved citizen participation, fiscal innovationn,and functional federalism.

He sa,d: “Local governments are closest to the people. They understand local needs better. When councils have decision-making freedom, they respond faster to emergencies and deliver projects more efficiently. Local governments exist, but their actual autonomy is undermined by state control over finances and personnel.”

While citing studies in Kaduna, Gomb,, and Abuja Municipal Area Councils, he said local government areas with greater freedom recorded better infrastructure maintenance, higher revenue,,uand faster project execution, warning that lack of autonomy has led to stagnation in several states.

“No local government in Oyo State has completed and inaugurated a five-kilometre inner road since 2019. This is what happens when political interference suffocates grassroots development,” he stated.

The lawmaker, however, expressed optimism about ongoing reform efforts, pointing to recent Supreme Court positions, the 2024 Local Government Reform Bill, advances in e-governance and rising civic demand for accountability.

“The prospects are promising, but autonomy will only become meaningful when councils can receive funds directly, conduct free elections, mobilise internal revenue,,nd engage citizens transparently. If Nigeria must achieve inclusive governance, empowering local governments is non-negotiable,” Buhari added.

He listed constitutional review, INEC-conducted council elections, fiscal reform, digital revenue collection, capacity buildi,ng and stronger anti-corruption systems as necessary steps.

The IMV President, Aare Kola Olomide, in his remarks, said the group had recorded remarkable progress in three years, saying: “IMV started as a small platform, but today it has grown into a strong voice for Ibadan indigenes, promoting culture, community development,, and civic awareness.”

Olomide thanked members and partners for their support, adding that IMV would continue to advocate for good governance, invest in youth empowerment, and community development.

“What IMV is doing is commendable. Ibadan needs organisations that bring people together and encourage service to the community,” he said.