The Puppetry of Nigeria’s Local Government: How State Governors Undermine Grassroots Development in Nigeria

 

The core problem is that Nigeria’s Local Government (LG) system has been seized by governors, who have misappropriated the funds designated for LGs and turned the officials into their puppets. Many governors exacerbate the issue by refusing to hold LG elections, instead appointing their own loyalists in direct violation of the constitution.

Nigeria's local government (LG) system has been thrust into the spotlight, with President Bola Tinubu voicing concerns about its current state. The crux of the argument centers on the hijacking of the LG system by state governors, who have allegedly abused the funds allocated to LGs and rendered LG officials mere lackeys. It is no secret  that the fundamental problem lies in the governors' manipulation of the LG system, which has led to systemic inefficiencies and underdevelopment.

The argument that state governors have hijacked the LG system in Nigeria is not without merit. According to the 1999 Constitution, Section 7 guarantees the tenure of democratically elected chairmen and councillors. However, the reality is starkly different. As of September, 323 LGs in 17 of the 36 states are under caretaker committees appointed by governors, bypassing the democratic process and the constitutional mandate. This usurpation of power has significant implications for the functionality and accountability of LGs.

The hijacking of LG autonomy by governors is further exacerbated by financial mismanagement. Despite substantial allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee—totaling N2.56 trillion ($3.3 billion)  in 2023 alone—LGs have remained inefficient and unable to perform basic duties. The State/LG Joint Account system was introduced to address this issue, but it has not provided a holistic solution. Instead, it has often facilitated the diversion of funds by governors for purposes other than LG development.

The refusal of many governors to conduct LG elections is another critical issue. By handpicking sycophants as LG officials, governors undermine the democratic process and the accountability of LGs. This practice not only contravenes Section 7 of the constitution but also perpetuates a cycle of inefficiency and corruption at the local level.

The impact of the hijacked LG system on Nigeria's development and security cannot be overstated. President Tinubu has highlighted that the degradation of the LG system has significantly contributed to Nigeria's developmental setbacks and its inability to effectively address national security threats. The statistics are alarming: UNESCO reports that Nigeria has 20.1 million out-of-school children, the second highest number in the world after India. This educational crisis is partly attributed to the inefficacy of LGs in managing local educational resources and infrastructure.

Examining federal systems in other countries provides insight into how Nigeria might reform its LG system. In countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Brazil, LGs operate under the control of state governments. Similarly, in the United States, there are about 18,000 municipal councils, all under the jurisdiction of the 50 states. This model allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, as states can create, merge, and fund LGs as they deem fit.

Advocates for the delisting of LGs from the 1999 Constitution argue that placing LGs under state control would de-escalate tensions between the federal government and the states. This approach would allow states to tailor their LG systems to better meet local needs and conditions. As governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, Tinubu himself favored this model, creating 37 local council development areas to improve governance and service delivery.

However, shifting control of LGs to state governments is not without challenges. The legal framework established by the 1999 Constitution would need significant amendments to facilitate such a change. Moreover, there is a need for robust mechanisms to ensure that state governments do not merely replicate the same issues of mismanagement and corruption at the state level. The ongoing legal case by the Federal Government against the 36 states on financial autonomy for LGs highlights the complexities involved in reforming the system.

My argument that Nigeria's LG system has been hijacked by governors, leading to widespread inefficiency and underdevelopment, is compelling. The refusal to conduct LG elections, financial mismanagement, and the appointment of sycophants undermine the democratic and functional integrity of LGs. While the idea of placing LGs under state control offers a potential solution, it requires careful consideration of legal, constitutional, and practical implications. Ultimately, any reform must ensure that LGs are empowered to deliver essential services and contribute to Nigeria's development and security effectively.