By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Local Government Autonomy Bills Spark Intense Debate
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Local Government Autonomy Bills Spark Intense Debate

Genesis Obong
By Genesis Obong
Published: March 31, 2025
Share
5 Min Read
House of Representative
House of Representative
SHARE

The future of local government administration in Nigeria hangs in the balance as the House of Representatives grapples with two sharply contrasting bills. These bills, recently passed for second reading, have ignited a fierce debate among lawmakers, revealing a deep divide over the degree of autonomy that should be granted to Local Government Areas (LGAs).

At the heart of the controversy are two distinct visions for local governance. One bill, championed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and others, seeks to strengthen local governments through comprehensive constitutional amendments, aiming to enhance their financial autonomy, administrative efficiency, and transparency. Conversely, a second bill, sponsored by Solomon T. Bob, proposes to eliminate local governments as a constitutionally recognized tier, placing them entirely under state control.

The first bill, formally titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Review the Framework for Local Government Administration, Establish a Robust Legal Regime to Strengthen Administrative Efficiency, Promote Transparency, Accountability, and Deepen Democratic Practices at the Local Government Level and for Related Matters (HB. 2121),” aims to amend Section 7 of the Constitution. This amendment would mandate democratically elected local governments, preventing the use of caretaker committees and fostering greater accountability at the grassroots level.

Conversely, the second bill, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Remove Local Government as a Tier of Government Constitutionally Recognised and Funded by the Federal Government and to Vest Their Creation, Funding in the State Governments and for Related Matters (HB. 1215),” suggests a radical shift. If passed, states would gain complete control over the creation, funding, and administration of local governments, effectively removing their constitutional backing and federal funding.

- Advertisement -

This legislative standoff occurs against the backdrop of a significant Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the financial autonomy of local governments, as stipulated in Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution. This ruling mandates the allocation of funds from the Federation Account to local governments, alongside federal and state governments.

Mike Ozokheme, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, highlighted the persistent issue of state governors undermining constitutional provisions. “Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees democratically elected local governments with full autonomy, but administratively and financially, state governors have persistently undermined this,” he stated. Ozokheme emphasized the need to sever local governments from the financial control of state governments to ensure true federalism and grassroots development.

Read Also: Local Government Autonomy: Legal Hurdles Stall Direct LGA Allocations as Account Submission Process Lags

“The National Assembly must do it in such a way that the local governments are finally removed and cut off root and branch from the income streams of state governors and state governments. That is the only way to have development and that is the only way we can say we are practicing true federalism in a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and pluralistic society of delegated forces,” Ozokheme explained.

- Advertisement -

He further pointed out the critical role of local governments in addressing the immediate needs of communities. “Local governments are the closest to the people. They know when roads are impassable, when maternity clinics lack facilities, or when communities are drinking from contaminated water sources. Yet, state governments, which are far removed from these realities, often hijack funds meant for them,” he added.

Ozokheme praised the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling, which ties federal allocations to the existence of democratically elected local governments, as a crucial step in preventing the arbitrary appointment of caretaker committees. Legal and political analysts echo his sentiments, stressing that financial and administrative independence is vital for grassroots development and democratic governance.

As the House of Representatives navigates this complex issue, the outcome will significantly impact the future of local governance in Nigeria, determining whether LGAs will become truly autonomous entities or remain under the control of state governments.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:AutonomyConstitutionDemocracyFederalismgovernanceHouse Of RepresentativesLocal Government
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByGenesis Obong
Follow:
Genesis Obong is a Journalist with relevant experience in Business, Finance and Economic matters in Nigeria and across the West African space.
Previous Article Nigeria Secures $632M World Bank Loans Amid Debt Concerns
Next Article NESG Economic Strategy Nigeria’s Economic Future: NESG Unveils ‘Arc of the Possible’ Strategy Amidst Reform Challenges

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 3 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

BREAKING: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Passes Away at 89
News Top stories
Russia Launches Deadly Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine Following Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Bomber Fleet
International
MTN Nigeria Doubles ICT Industry Average with 41.4% Female Workforce Representation
Top stories
Lagos Commuters Endure Severe Gridlock as Pre-Sallah Activities Paralyze Major Routes
News
Nigeria GDP Growth, Nigeria renewable energy
Sallah 2025: Tinubu’s Economic Optimism and Nationwide Security Measures Highlight Nigeria’s Eid Celebrations
News Top stories
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

News

Tinubu Warns Lagos, States Against Unauthorised Island Approvals, Vows to Revoke Encroachments

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 6, 2025
News

Shettima Inaugurates African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, Hails New Era in African Healthcare

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 5, 2025
News

Tinubu Pledges Increased Infrastructure Funding, Calls for State-Federal Collaboration on Approvals

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 5, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?