…pledge stronger local government system
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has organised a national retreat and workshop for local government chairmen from across the country. 
The gathering, which focused on strengthening local government administration, also discussed the vertical revenue allocation formula for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
In his keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajuddeen Abbas, said the retreat was designed to help close the governance gap and bring enlightenment to people at the grassroots.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
The Speaker, represented by Rep. Emmanuel Agbodike, emphasised the crucial role of local government chairmen in driving development at the community level.
“The relationship between local government chairmen shared with governors is very important for the smooth running of government at the lower level.
“I implore you to live up to your responsibilities, I encourage you, for those of you that are doing very well because the success this administration will achieve cannot be achieved without the support of the local government administration, because you are at the grassroot”, Abbas said.
Participants at the just-concluded retreat on local government administration have been urged to remain committed to strengthening governance at the grassroots.
Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Mr Richard Bamishile, explained that the retreat and workshop were part of the House’s resolution to review and reinforce laws guiding local government administration in Nigeria.
He said the exercise would “foster accountability and improve the structure of local government administration,” adding that legislative measures were already being considered to promote better unity among all tiers of government.
In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Bello Lawal, reaffirmed the association’s determination to push for greater empowerment of councils across the country.
“ALGON will not relent until local governments are fairly empowered with the resources needed to meet the expectations of the people, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Equally critical is our deliberation on the Vertical Revenue Allocation Formula. This call by the Revenue Mobiization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) provides us a rare opportunity to ensure that Local Governments being the closest tier to the people have a direct and impactful voice in the national fiscal architecture.
“I am convinced that the outcomes of this retreat will strengthen intergovernmental relations, deepen legislative harmony and expand the fiscal space for grassroots governance. Together, we shall move closer to the Nigeria of our dreams where every community enjoys basic services, every child has access to quality education, healthcare and food security chain”, he said.
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Bitrus Jisalo, has called on local governments to play a more active role in shaping the future of grassroots governance.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Mr Onwusoro Ihemelandu, the Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of councils to deliver effectively on their mandate.
The retreat, themed “Enhancing the Legislative Capacity of Local Government Councils: Review of the Vertical Revenue Allocation Formula with Active Participation and Input from the 774 Local Government Councils”, brought together officials from across all 774 local government areas in the country, alongside other stakeholders.
