Ex-NIMASA DG, Dr Ade Dosunmu

A public policy expert and one-time Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr Ade Dosunmu MON has said that federal government’s proposal for full autonomy for the local government has been long overdue and would be a game-changer in the country’s democratic experience if adopted.

Dosunmu spoke in reaction to the recent decision of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN to approached the Supreme Court to pursue to pursue a case that seeks to grant full autonomy to local governments in the country, describing the move as a welcome development.

According to him, the AGF should however be conscious of the ambiguity in the 4th schedule and section seven of the 1999 Constitution, which recognised local governments as the third tier of government but also in a contradictory manner, gives some functions to state governments and Houses of Assembly with regards to local government administration.

He argued that this and other contradictory clauses in the 1999 Constitution need to be amended to reflect the complete financial and administrative autonomy as it is being operated in other federal systems of government across the world. 

“I commend the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for this bold step and urge him to go all out to break this jinx by removing the clog in the wheel of our development and progress. You can imagine the impact that will be created if 774 local governments are independent and free from the apron spring of the state governments. Nigerians will immediately start enjoying the dividends of democracy directly across the country in all the 774 local governments and also have a say in determining the political leadership at their local governments.

“The fact that every Nigerian lives in a local government underscores the strategic importance of granting full autonomy to the local governments. The benefit of this initiative is huge and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians. The important benefit of this initiative is that it will attract more quality personalities to take part in the running of local governments and reduce the emphasis on the state and federal governments, thereby widening the space for political inclusiveness. This will invariably reduce the burden on federal and state governments, while allowing them to focus on broader policy issues”, the ex-NIMASA boss argued. 

He listed other benefits of granting full autonomy to local governments to include the power to govern and make decisions independently, which can lead to efficient service delivery, foster transparency and accountability as local governments will be responsible for their decisions, finances and actions, leading to better governance.

He also said: “It will strengthen our democratic institutions by ensuring a more equitable distribution of power and resources. Local governments being the closest to the people are in a better position to understand the needs of their communities and provide same. Granting full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria will lead to better governance, increased citizens’ participation, improved service delivery, and accelerate development at the grassroots level. This is no doubt the way to go in our determination to achieve good governance and development.”