WHY STATES MAY NOT ALLOW LOCAL GOVT AUTONOMY, BY CHAIRMAN CONFERENCE OF SPEAKERS. (PHOTO).

 Why states may not allow local govt autonomy, by chairman conference of speakers

The chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin said on Monday, May 27, that the various states of the federation may not allow local government to have administrative and financial autonomy because of the fear that the federal government may use the local government against them. 

Ogundoyin, who spoke at a national discourse on Nigeria’s security challenges and good governance at the local government levels organised by the House of Representatives said granting financial autonomy to the level government will engender massive corruption at the local level. 

He argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti graft agencies will not have the required manpower and financial resources to investigate corruption at the local level. 

He said: “I will like us to consider 2 different scenarios for the purpose of this discourse. Let us imagine a system of government that operates financial autonomy for Local Governments. Some of the problems I foresee would afflict the Local Governments if financial autonomy is granted include

“Inadequate resources (especially in urbanized Local Governments). This is going to be closely followed by mismanagement or misappropriation of funds or put simply as corruption. The LGA will be answerable to the Federal Government and other federal agencies e.g EFCC, House of Representatives which will have oversight functions over the LGA). 

“Then, there is the issue of Accountability and Transparency which is already a challenge at both National and sub-National levels. Going by what we see during oversights these problems already persist in an incapacitated Local Government system. 

“One can only imagine the extent of these problems once there are more resources given to them directly. 

“Let us also not forget the possibility of the Federal Government usurping the roles of the State Governments as the popular saying goes — “He who pays the piper dictates the tune”. It’s therefore the general belief of the States that the Center can use the Local Government as an instrument against them. 

“On the other hand, let us equally imagine a scenario where state governments have the authority to determine the number of Local Government they choose to have for administrative purposes. For me, it is then that we will start enjoying more dividends of True Federalism. So, the issue of creation of local governments by states is yet another challenge. 

“The problem of low revenue generation capacity for Local Governments is another issue. It’s common belief that the state Government hinders the ability of the local governments to generate revenue but we also have to recognize that most local governments are in the rural environments which makes it more difficult for them to generate revenue. 

“It is rather worrisome that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salary. 

He said that every Nigerian should as a matter of civic responsibility be interested in the effective functioning of governance both at the national and subnational levels to bring about all round meaningful growth. 

According to him, “good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society. It encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness. At the sub-national level, where the government is closest to the people, these principles are even more vital. 

“Having identified good governance as pivotal for development, all the three tiers of Government in Nigeria — Federal, State and Local Governments must strive to institutionalize and internalize the concept for socioeconomic growth and stable polity. 

“Nigeria has a total of 774 local government areas (LGAs) spread across the country. They are seen as viable instruments for development and for the delivery of social services to the people as a result of their proximity to the grassroots. 

“However, one can say that virtually all of them are experiencing the same challenges in terms of service delivery and effective governance. 

“The question as to whether Local Government Autonomy is the solution to these problems is widely debated and I’m certain that the debate will carry on until we determine the kind of governmental system we choose to adopt holistically. Do we adopt a Federal system of Government or a Government which will retain more powers at the centre? 

He however said that the Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more money into the coffers of their councils to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the states. 

“It is also necessary for the states to be devoid of Local Taxes and Levies, Commercial Activities eg (Public Transportation), Markets, car parks etc. This will enable Local Governments to use money generated as IGR to discharge their statutory responsibilities and embark on more developmental projects. 

“Another challenge is lack of capacity and professionalism. Regularly upgrading the skills, knowledge and capacity of the Local Government staff will lead to optimum performance.”