One Year On: Local Government Autonomy Must Move from Rhetoric To Reality
By Prince Chris Azor
It’s now a full year since Nigeria’s Supreme Court handed down a landmark judgment directing that funds meant for the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) be allocated directly to them without interference from state governments.
It was hailed as a win for democracy, a long-overdue step toward real grassroots development.
Yet, twelve months later, what has changed? On the ground very little.
Despite the court’s clear and decisive ruling, the stranglehold of state governors over local governments has barely loosened.
Funds meant for the people are still filtered through unconstitutional joint accounts. State interference in local administration continues unchecked.
The big question now is: what is the value of judicial rulings if they’re simply ignored?
Local Government Autonomy Isn’t Just a Legal Issue—it’s a Lifeline
Autonomy for local governments isn’t a mere administrative technicality—it’s the foundation of people-centred governance.
LGAs are supposed to deliver essential services such as primary healthcare, rural roads, sanitation, and basic education. But today, across many communities, these services have either collapsed or are grossly inadequate not because the funds don’t exist, but because the system is rigged against local accountability.
The Supreme Court may have opened the door legally, but it’s up to all of us—citizens, civil society, the media, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, and development partners to walk through it together.
Time for Citizens to Demand Action
We must now demand full, unconditional implementation of the court’s ruling. That means:
No more joint accounts. Allocations must go directly to LGAs.
No more caretaker committees. Every LGA must have democratically elected leaders.
No more secrecy. Budgets and spending at the local level must be transparent and inclusive.
No more excuses. Local council leaders must be held to account by the very people they serve.
This isn’t the time for another round of policy summits or ceremonial consultations. It’s time for action.
The Federal Government Must Step Up
The President, the National Assembly, the Attorney General, and other relevant institutions must rise to their constitutional responsibilities and enforce the Supreme Court’s decision.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum must understand that federalism doesn’t grant them dominion over local councils.
Above all, we the people must not be silent. Local governance belongs to us. The quality of our daily lives depends on it. And we can no longer afford to let it be hijacked.
The Time is Now
Local government autonomy is not a favour—it is a constitutional right. A year is far too long to wait. We must move from rhetoric to reality, from talk to implementation, from delay to justice.
Let’s not squander this moment. Let’s take back local governance—and make it work for the people.
Prince Chris Azor is a citizen advocate and President of the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC). 08032102294 (SMS only)
