In a landmark decision, the National Assembly has approved an amendment to Section 124 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting full financial and administrative autonomy to all 774 local government councils nationwide. This development positions local councils as a full-fledged third tier of government, eliminating undue interference from state governments.
The amendment, one of 23 clauses and sections revised by the Assembly, was ratified on Tuesday following harmonization by a joint conference committee of both legislative chambers. The approved provisions will now be sent to state Houses of Assembly for final endorsement.
The newly amended constitution includes pivotal changes aimed at strengthening local governance. Among these is the establishment of the Office of Auditor General for Local Governments and the State Local Government Service Commission, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the amendment removes the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution, transferring the responsibility of conducting local government elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, the National Assembly chose to retain the immunity clause for the President and state governors, favoring the Senate’s stance over the House of Representatives’ version, which sought to remove the clause.
In another significant move, provisions were made for independent candidacy in future elections through amendments to Sections 65 and 106 of the 1999 Constitution. This opens the door for individuals to contest elections without the backing of political parties, fostering a more inclusive and competitive political landscape.
These constitutional reforms signal a bold step toward empowering local councils, promoting accountability, and enhancing democratic participation in Nigeria. With local governments now poised for greater independence, the amendments are expected to usher in a new era of governance that prioritizes grassroots development and people-focused policies.
