Good Governance Advocacy International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has said the key to addressing Nigeria’s fundamental challenges lies in strengthening local governance.
The Director-General of the group, Mr Leonard Ayogo, made the remark during a press conference in Calabar on Wednesday.
Ayogo described Nigeria as “over-centralised” and noted that leadership extends beyond the President in Abuja to governors, local government chairmen, councillors, and legislators.
“In Nigeria, the over-criticism of the President, while overlooking other leaders who are closest to the people, does not help good governance,” he said.
He added that focus should also be on the 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, who manage substantial resources and are closer to the populace.
“They should be practising good governance, which is not rocket science but simply about implementing government policies that resonate with the people,” Ayogo said.
He further noted that issues such as insecurity, poor health infrastructure, and education could be managed at the local level if governors and local government chairmen prioritised basic services instead of travelling abroad.
Ayogo highlighted that poor governance has forced many bright Nigerians, particularly youths, to risk their lives through the Mediterranean Sea and deserts in search of opportunities abroad.
He called on leaders at all levels to entrench good governance, saying it would improve citizens’ standard of living and enhance societal well-being.
Ayogo also emphasised that change involves citizens themselves, who must cultivate personal discipline and create awareness about the importance of good governance.
(NAN)