Agora Policy And Others Organize Policy Dialogue On Promoting Accountability In Local Governments

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Agora Policy and five partners are hosting a policy conversation in Abuja today to discuss ways to deepen accountability, democracy, and good governance in Nigeria’s 774 local governments (LGs).

This event, taking place at the main auditorium of the YarAdua Centre, Abuja, aims to address the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 11, 2024, which authorized direct disbursement of federation allocations to local councils. The ruling also declared it illegal for local governments to be run by caretaker committees appointed by state governors.

In collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, Agora Policy has organized this policy conversation with the goal of finding practical solutions to translate this apex court decision into positive changes in local government administration nationwide, leading to improved citizen welfare.

The theme of the event, “Enthroning Accountability in Local Governance in Nigeria,” is organized by Agora Policy in partnership with BudgIT Foundation, Yiaga Africa, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Premium Times, and The Cable.

According to Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy, financial autonomy for LGAs is important, but it must be accompanied by robust accountability mechanisms. The objective should not just be financial autonomy, but rather more effective governance, deeper democracy, and better service delivery at the local level.

The policy conversation will cover various topics, including the state of local government administration and elections, constraints and pathways to optimal performance in local councils, enhancing participatory and accountable governance at the local level, as well as best practices from both local and international perspectives on local governance and citizen engagement.

The panel discussion, which lies at the heart of this event, will include Hon. Aminu Maifata, the National President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Prof. Remi Aiyede from the University of Ibadan, Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, and Ms. Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa. The session will be moderated by Ms. Nabilah Usman of Radio Now.

Following the policy conversation, the partners and other key stakeholders will contribute their insights and interventions on how to improve governance in Nigeria’s local councils.