Opinion

THE RETURN OF GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY: HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IS GAINING NEW RELEVANCE IN NIGERIA

Published

5 months ago

June 15, 2026

By Sylvester Udemezue

(1) BACKGROUND

For many years, conversations about governance in Nigeria often revolved around the Federal Government and the States, while the Local Government system, the tier of government closest to the people, appeared increasingly weakened, marginalized and unable to fully perform its constitutional responsibilities.

Across the country, many citizens came to view Local Government Councils as little more than administrative extensions of State Governments. Local Government elections frequently attracted limited public interest. Chairmen and Councillors often operated under severe financial and political constraints. In many instances, local governance lost its attractiveness, vibrancy and capacity to serve as the foundation of democratic participation.

Today, however, a new conversation is emerging. A combination of political will, institutional reforms and a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on 11 July 2024 has reignited national attention on grassroots governance and has created fresh opportunities for the revitalisation of Local Government administration in Nigeria.

(2). THE REALITY BEFORE THE REFORMS

Before the recent developments, one of the major concerns regarding Local Government administration was the operation of the State Joint Local Government Account.

Although established under constitutional arrangements, critics argued that the system often enabled excessive control of Local Government finances by State Governments. Consequently, many Local Government Councils struggled to exercise meaningful financial autonomy.

As a result

(a). Local Government administration became increasingly dependent on State Governments

(b). Development initiatives at the grassroots level often suffered delays or limitations.

(c). Many citizens lost confidence in Local Government institutions.

(d). Local Government elections attracted less enthusiasm than they ought to have.

(e). The position of Local Government Chairman gradually lost much of its appeal and strategic significance.

Over time, concerns grew among scholars, civil society organisations, legal practitioners and democratic reform advocates that the constitutional vision of Local Government as a distinct tier of government was being undermined.

(3). PRESIDENT TINUBU’S INTERVENTION

One of the most consequential governance initiatives undertaken during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the Federal Government’s decision to approach the Supreme Court seeking the protection of constitutional Local Government autonomy.

Through the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Government instituted proceedings against the thirty-six State Governments, asking the Supreme Court to restore the constitutional status of Local Government Councils and ensure that funds allocated to them reach them directly.

This move represented a significant institutional effort aimed at strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level.

(4). THE LANDMARK SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT

On 11 July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered what many observers have described as one of the most important constitutional judgments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

The Court held, among other things, that:

(a). Funds allocated to Local Governments should be paid directly to them.

(b). State Governments should not retain or control Local Government allocations.

(c). Democratically elected Local Government Councils must be respected.

(d). Caretaker arrangements cannot replace constitutionally recognised elected councils indefinitely.

(d). Local Governments are entitled to exercise their constitutional functions as a distinct tier of government.

The judgment effectively reaffirmed the constitutional place of Local Government administration within Nigeria’s federal system and sought to address longstanding concerns about financial dependence and political subordination.

(5) THE POSITIVE IMPACT ALREADY BEING FELT

Although the reforms are still evolving, several positive developments are becoming increasingly visible.

Renewed Interest in Grassroots Politics: Across many parts of Nigeria, Local Government politics is attracting renewed attention. Political actors, community leaders, youth groups and stakeholders increasingly recognize that Local Government leadership may now possess greater relevance and practical significance than before. The office of Local Government Chairman is once again being viewed as an important platform for development and public service.
Increased Financial Expectations: With direct allocation mechanisms being pursued following the Supreme Court judgment, Local Governments are expected to have greater access to resources intended for grassroots development. Where properly managed, this can translate into: Better rural roads, improved primary healthcare; Enhanced sanitation services; More effective primary education support; Expanded agricultural initiatives; Stronger community development programmes.
Strengthening Democratic Accountability: When citizens know that resources are reaching Local Governments directly, expectations for transparency and accountability naturally increase. Local Government Chairmen and Councillors may now find themselves under greater public scrutiny, thereby encouraging more responsible governance.
Revitalisation of Constitutional Democracy: The judgment reinforces an important democratic principle: government should not be concentrated at a single level. Strong Local Governments create opportunities for broader participation, leadership development and citizen engagement. Democracy becomes more meaningful when it is experienced not only in Abuja and State Capitals, but also in wards, villages, districts and communities.

(6). The FCT Experience: A Sign of Renewed Confidence:

The recent Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory offered an indication of the growing relevance of grassroots governance. Political activities surrounding the elections generated considerable attention among stakeholders and contestants.

Many observers believe that one reason for this renewed interest is the increasing recognition that Local Government institutions may now possess greater authority, visibility and developmental potential than they did in previous years. While competitive elections alone do not guarantee good governance, heightened public interest in Local Government contests is nevertheless a positive democratic indicator.

(7). A New Era of Possibility

It would be premature to suggest that all challenges facing Local Governments have been resolved. Issues of accountability, capacity building, transparency and responsible management of public funds remain critically important. Indeed, financial autonomy must be accompanied by financial discipline. Direct funding alone cannot guarantee development. Good leadership, prudent management and active citizen participation will ultimately determine whether the promise of Local Government autonomy translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to dispute that the 2024 Supreme Court judgment and the efforts that led to it have altered the national conversation about grassroots governance. For perhaps the first time in many years, Local Government administration is once again occupying a central place in discussions about democratic development and public service delivery.

(7). CONCLUSION

History may ultimately record the Local Government autonomy initiative as one of the most significant institutional reforms undertaken during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

By supporting the constitutional restoration of Local Government authority and pursuing a judicial resolution to longstanding concerns over Local Government finances, the administration helped reopen the door to a stronger and more vibrant grassroots democracy. The task before Nigerians now is to ensure that this opportunity is not wasted. If Local Government leaders embrace transparency, accountability and service, and if citizens remain actively engaged in monitoring governance, the result could be a genuine democratic renaissance at the grassroots level. A stronger Local Government system means stronger communities. And stronger communities ultimately mean a stronger Nigeria.

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems).
udemsbackup@gmail.com.
10 June 2026

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Opinion

China-Africa Cooperation: Tackling Insecurity Through Development

Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman B. Dambazau (rtd), PhD, CFR, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the People’s Republic of China.

Published

3 days ago

November 9, 2026

The Gleamer

By Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman B. Dambazau (rtd), PhD, CFR

A farmer who cannot safely reach his land, a child whose school has closed because of violence, and a young graduate unable to find productive employment experience insecurity in different ways.

Their circumstances reveal a common challenge: lasting peace requires protection from violence and the opportunity to live with dignity. This connection should occupy a central place in China–Africa cooperation.

My experience in military leadership, internal security and diplomacy has reinforced my conviction that security operations must form part of a broader national effort. Armed forces and law enforcement agencies have indispensable responsibilities to protect communities, confront violent groups and uphold the law.

The gains they secure become durable when legitimate institutions, functioning services and economic opportunities take root.

Development is therefore a strategic component of security. Where communities can farm, trade, learn and obtain justice, they have stronger foundations for resisting the pressures that sustain violence.

Poverty does not automatically produce terrorism or criminality. Millions endure hardship without turning to violence. Insecurity also arises from political exclusion, contested resources, extremist ideologies, organised crime and institutional weakness. Nevertheless, prolonged deprivation and a lack of credible opportunities can create vulnerabilities that violent actors exploit.

Effective policy must address both those actors and the conditions that enable their influence.
China–Africa cooperation offers a framework for advancing this approach. The Forum on China–Africa Cooperation’s Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027 brings peace and security into the same programme as industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, education, public health and green development. Its significance lies in the opportunity to connect these fields through practical implementation.

China’s development experience provides useful lessons. A joint study by the World Bank and Chinese institutions reported in 2022 that, over the preceding four decades, the number of people in China living below the international extreme-poverty line then in use had fallen by close to 800 million.

The study emphasised economic transformation alongside targeted poverty reduction measures. African countries can examine how agricultural productivity, infrastructure, education and employment expanded opportunity, while adapting relevant lessons to their own circumstances.

Africa’s countries have distinct histories, political systems and development priorities. Cooperation will achieve more when African governments define their needs clearly and negotiate partnerships that strengthen domestic capabilities. African ownership must guide project selection, implementation and assessment.

Agriculture should be an immediate priority. In communities affected by insecurity, restoring farming and rural commerce can support recovery and stability. Cooperation in irrigation, improved seeds, machinery, storage, processing and extension services can raise productivity and strengthen livelihoods. Investment should be accompanied by secure access to land, fair arrangements for managing water and grazing resources, and credible mechanisms for resolving disputes.

A processing facility has greater value when farmers can reach it safely, receive fair payment and access wider markets. Communities emerging from violence also need assistance that enables displaced families to return voluntarily, safely and with dignity, and rebuild sustainable livelihoods. Development planning and security planning must meet at this practical level.

Reliable electricity and productive industry are equally important. Power supply enables workshops, factories, health facilities and digital enterprises to function. Industrial cooperation should create opportunities for African workers, suppliers and entrepreneurs, with clear provisions for skills transfer and the maintenance of equipment and facilities.

Young people need realistic pathways from education to work. Technical training should connect to actual demand in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, logistics and technology. Programmes should be assessed by the capabilities and employment they produce. Partnerships between training institutions and employers can help ensure that qualifications lead to productive work.

Infrastructure must be judged by the economic activity and public services it enables. A railway, road or port can support national integration and trade, but its wider benefits depend on connections to local production and affordable access. Project planning must account for maintenance, environmental protection, community interests and financial sustainability. Financing arrangements should be transparent, with repayment obligations assessed against realistic economic returns and public resources.
Education and health deserve the same strategic attention.

Schools help communities recover continuity and hope after disruption. Accessible healthcare reduces household vulnerability and strengthens confidence in public institutions. Cooperation among universities, research centres, hospitals and technical colleges can build the expertise African countries need to sustain these services.

Women must participate fully in this work. Their livelihoods, access to services and involvement in local decision-making matter to household resilience and community recovery. Programmes designed without their participation risk overlooking essential needs and sources of knowledge.

Development cannot compensate for injustice. Communities require fair policing, accessible courts, accountable administration and protection from abuse. A school or clinic will contribute more to lasting stability where citizens also trust public institutions to treat them fairly. Economic investment and institutional reform should proceed together.

Security cooperation should reinforce these foundations. Professional training, peacekeeping capacity, maritime security, action against illicit arms and stronger responses to organised crime can help protect development gains.

Such cooperation should uphold national law, human rights and accountability. Its ultimate purpose must be the safety of people and the strengthening of legitimate institutions.
For Nigeria, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s September 2024 visit to China provides a framework for pursuing these objectives. It offers an opportunity to connect bilateral cooperation more closely with Nigeria’s priorities for economic transformation and national security.

The next task is disciplined implementation. Every major commitment should have an identified responsible institution, a financing arrangement, a timetable and measurable outcomes. Proposed projects, signed agreements, funds disbursed and completed investments represent different stages of progress. Public reporting should make those distinctions clear.

We should ask practical questions. Has an agricultural project improved farmers’ incomes? Has an industrial investment created sustainable employment and developed local suppliers? Has training transferred skills that institutions can retain? Have communities affected by conflict gained safer access to schools, healthcare and markets?

These questions should guide the assessment of cooperation. They also require African governments to fulfil their own responsibilities: coordinating institutions, protecting public resources, maintaining infrastructure and ensuring that investment benefits communities fairly. Regional cooperation is essential where trade routes, shared resources and security threats cross national borders.

China–Africa cooperation can contribute substantially to peace when development expands opportunity, institutions earn public trust and security agencies protect citizens effectively. Its lasting achievement should be visible in ordinary lives: farmers returning safely to their fields, young people securing worthwhile work and children remaining in school. These are the foundations on which a more secure Africa can be built.

_Abdulrahman B. Dambazau is a retired Lieutenant General, former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Interior. He is currently the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the People’s Republic of China. He writes from Beijing, China._

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