The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring the full implementation of local government autonomy in Nigeria. Speaking at the Nigeria Local Government Development Summit in Abuja,
The Honourable Minister, Rt. Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, MFR, delivered a good will message and formally declared the two-day summit open. With the theme “The Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy and the Future of Local Government Administration and Grassroots Development,” the summit convened key stakeholders, including distinguished members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, local government administrators, and development partners, to deliberate on the impact of the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming financial and administrative autonomy for local governments.
Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Hon. Minister that the ruling provides an unprecedented opportunity to reshape grassroots governance, ensuring that resources and decision-making power are directly accessible to local authorities. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to working with all levels of government to translate the ruling into tangible development outcomes.
“Our Ministry is fully committed to enhancing intergovernmental collaboration to ensure that local government autonomy leads to meaningful development. A strong and effective local government system is the foundation of national progress, and we stand ready to support initiatives that strengthen governance at the grassroots in line with the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
He further highlighted the Ministry’s plans to foster partnerships with local governments, development agencies, and private sector actors to enhance capacity building, infrastructure development, and improved service delivery.
As part of his address, Dr. Ihemelandu called on all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, to collaborate in advancing policies that empower local governments to fulfill their constitutional mandate.
Local government autonomy must go beyond policy declarations; it requires deliberate action, strong intergovernmental cooperation, and accountability. This summit presents a crucial platform for exploring practical solutions and forging strategic partnerships that will drive real grassroots development,” he added.
The summit, organized by the Committee on States and Local Government Administration, aims to provide a roadmap for the full implementation of local government autonomy in Nigeria. Participants are expected to engage in high-level discussions and formulate strategies that will enhance governance at the grassroots level.
The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering support for strengthening local governance and ensuring that autonomy translates into improved service delivery and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
Signed
Mandal Francis M.
For: Head of Information and Public Relations Unit
