The local government is Nigeria’s third tier of government and the level of government closest to the people. This is to say that they are in a better position than the state and federal governments to connect with the challenges of the rural dwellers and serve as the most effective agents for mobilizing the people for positive socio-economic and political development of the country.
Constitutionally, local governments are assigned some functions under the law and one of the major functions is to bring about meaningful development in the rural areas. Other reasons for the creation of local government also include; to make appropriate services and developmental activities responsive to local wishes and
initiatives by entrusting or delegating them to local representatives, to sensitize and mobilize the various communities in their areas of authority.
To achieve these constitutional objectives, Nigeria’s local Government system has witnessed more reforms and re-organizations when compared with other public services. For instance, the 1976 reform guideline was quite explicit in its recognition of local governments as third-tier of government in Nigeria federalism, with all the necessary equipment of office, most especially a grant of autonomy.
But for over two decades, local governments have been almost crippled in most states as they have not been able to play their constitutional roles, let alone making attempts at rural development due to the fact that they do not have total control of their federal allocations.
Following the Supreme Court landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Councils on July 11, 2024, local governance will have distinct territorial boundaries, legal powers to do or achieve specific goals and most importantly, enjoy substantial autonomy in financial matters without excessive but
complementary control by higher authority. These include, owning of treasury, separate budgets, and accounts based on effective reliable income generation from within and outside its domain.
However, fiscal autonomy in local governments is generally believed to be the best tool for effective and efficient service delivery in rural areas of federated countries like Nigeria. The provisions for the autonomy enable local governments to fund their operations and deliver essential services without undue reliance on state or federal allocations. With adequate funding, due process and accountability, local governments stand to propel grassroots development in terms of provision of basic social amenities like potable water, electricity, education, health-care service, and recreational facilities to their respective communities. This will in a large extent prevent rural-urban migration and its attendant socio-economic, political and
environmental ills.
The whole phenomenon of Rural Development revolves around attempts by governments and people to address the basic factual problems bedeviling the rural areas in respect of basic needs such as safe and hygienic drinking water, the provision of primary health care, feeder roads, electricity, standard schools and so forth. Any area that is without such things is backward and life in it is certainly miserable and frustrating.
Also Read: National Grid Operator Approved Sungrow Inverters
With the Financial Autonomy in place, local governments will be solemnly concerned with the improvement of the living standards for all in the rural communities and at the same time, rural poverty and inequalities will be reduced as there will be active participation of all strata of rural dwellers in developmental activities and in
decision-making.
Local governments can now prioritize projects and programs that benefit their communities thereby promoting grassroots development. Equally, the local Government will be able to solve some security challenges in their localities.
Moreover, Local citizens will as well expect their governments to be fair and to spend their resources wisely, efficiently and effectively for rapid development in the rural communities. This time, Citizens at the grassroots can hold the council members and local governments accountable for all their dealings in the communities.
Also, the role of the council leaders is to achieve the best outcomes for the local community with a focus on the long-term quality of life and continued community growth.
In the 1999 constitution lists, healthcare provision is one of the responsibilities of local governments. Healthcare at any level requires resources, however, when it is unavailable or inadequate, it becomes difficult to operate optimally.
There is a saying that “A Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation”. A functional healthcare system should be the set goal of all levels of governance to attain a wealthy nation.
To drive grassroots development, primary healthcare is one area that should be impacted positively when local governments are financially empowered.
Moreover, all other critical sectors at the local levels are also expected to be repositioned on a sound footing for the well-being and growth of the rural communities.
