The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local governments and delivering tangible benefits to communities.
Edun spoke on Tuesday at the second policy dialogue on Local Governance Reforms: A Year After the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Abuja.
The event was organised by Agora Policy with support from the MacArthur Foundation, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), The Cable, and the African Cities Research Consortium.
Highlighting urgent national priorities, Edun emphasised improving democratic structures while addressing the needs of communities, especially young people who require better access to technology and connectivity.
“The project prioritises the construction and rehabilitation of critical digital technology hubs in every local government.
“This increased connectivity improves access to markets, education, and health services, fostering inclusive economic growth and elevating living standards,” he said.
He also mentioned the Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative, aimed at tackling malnutrition and food insecurity across all 774 local governments by strengthening community leadership and expanding essential nutrition services for mothers and children.
At the event, Agora Policy Chair, Ojobo Atuluku, highlighted the significance of the landmark Supreme Court ruling that affirmed constitutional autonomy for local governments, ensuring they received direct allocations from the Federation Account.
“Caretaker committees appointed by state governors are unconstitutional.
“State governments must not interfere with local government autonomy, especially by withholding or mismanaging federal allocations,” Atuluku said.
She also previewed the Local Governance Accountability Portal, which would provide a searchable database of financial allocations, elected officials, and local government profiles, a tool to promote transparency and accountability.
Mr Victor Muruako, Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), emphasised the role of financial autonomy in empowering local governments to deliver essential services like education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and agricultural support.
“Autonomy comes with great responsibility.
“The FRC is committed to supporting local governments with the necessary fiscal responsibility frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability,” Muruako stated.
World Bank Lead Governance Specialist, Deborah Isser, acknowledged the Supreme Court decision as a critical step toward correcting power imbalances, granting local governments the political and financial autonomy needed to effectively serve citizens.
“Local governments are the closest authority to the people and best positioned to address local needs, but many challenges remain, including political resistance from some state governors and concerns about local capacity and accountability,” Isser said.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to build trust and strengthen local governments for sustainable national development.
