A university lecturer, Prof. Samuel Oguche, has stated that Nigeria’s current constitution does not allow for the separation of states and local government areas (LGAs), despite the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming LGA financial autonomy.
Oguche, a Senior Executive Fellow at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and Visiting Associate Professor of Law at Bingham University, made this known during a three-day induction course for newly elected Kogi local government officials and financial administrative staff in Lokoja.
He delivered a lecture titled “Understanding the Dynamics of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: Challenges and Benefits.”
According to him, while the Supreme Court judgement supports financial independence for LGAs, it does not alter the constitutional structure that places LGAs under state control.
“The lives of the LGAs are determined by the State Houses of Assembly, which legislate their existence and functions,” he said.
Oguche referenced Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, pointing out that local government administration falls within the jurisdiction of each of the 36 states, not the federal government.
“For the fact that the Supreme Court granted the autonomy to the LGAs, the states and local government areas can’t be separated,” he added.
He stressed that while local government autonomy is vital for effective governance and grassroots development, constitutional limitations currently make it impossible for LGAs to operate independently.
“Until and unless the laws are amended, the various state houses of assembly enact laws on how the 774 LGAs are run,” he explained.
Oguche also raised concerns about outdated bylaws that have remained unchanged for over 40 years, despite social and governance changes.
He identified financial dependence, political interference, corruption, and mismanagement as ongoing challenges to achieving meaningful LGA autonomy.
He called for legislative reforms that would align with the Supreme Court’s ruling on LGA autonomy.
“These challenges can be addressed through legal, institutional, and political reforms to enhance local governance, improve service delivery, and promote socio-economic development in Nigeria,” he said.
He recommended constitutional amendments to clarify the role of the state-local government joint account, better oversight of LGAs, and improved administrative capacity.
He also advocated for transparent financial management, enhanced accountability, and guaranteed revenue streams to ensure local governments operate effectively.
(NAN)