By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Tinubu has pledged commitment to strengthen Local Governments (LG) to overcome the challenges of insecurity in the country.
The President stated this at a one-day National Discourse on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governace at Local Government Level organised by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the UK International Development and Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL), on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu said that it is imperative to confront the challenges of insecurity headon, if Nigeria has to move forward in the ourney towards development.
According to him, the challenges of insecurity have persisted over time, posing a threat to safety and well being of the nation.
He said that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, had inflicted untold suffering on the people and undermined collective peace and prosperity.
The President said: “We must realise that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security architecture by empowering local governments to fulfill their mandate if we efficiently and ethically create a solid foundation for ensuring safety, stability and well being of Nigerians.
“It is in light of the foregoing that our administration is committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system.
“This commitment is deeply rooted in our bottom of development approach; recognising that sustainable development, national security and prosperity can only be achieved when every level of government functions effectively and accountably”.
The President further said though significant strides and remarkable results had been made under his administration, so much more is needed to be done particularly by governments within the local areas where these attacks are prominent.
He said that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace and security and political stability, but with true national security laid in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
According to him, addressing these factors hold the key to achieve an enduring national security.
“The Local governments being the closest government to the people are strategically position in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address those challenges by empowering local government authority with the necessary resources and capacities to implement sustainable development initiative.
“We can create a more secure and stable nation, it is crucial to acknowledge that security is fundamentally about human beings first and foremost, not just the state.
“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities need and challenges,” he stated.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that effective governace at the national and subnational levels will bring about all round meaningful growth.
He believes that every Nigerian should, as a matter of civic responsibility, be interested in the effective functioning of governance and that good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society which encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness.
According to Speaker Abbas, Nigeria has a total of 774 Local Government Area which are viable instruments for development and for the delivery of social services to the people as a result of their proximity to the grassroots.
He said that an effective and efficient local government is an important recipe and tool for good governance at the grassroots and therefore we must do everything to improve good governance and enhance service delivery at our local government levels.
He expressed worries that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salary.
But said that Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more money into the coffers of their councils to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the states.
He said: “It is also necessary for the states to be devoid of Local Taxes and Levies, Commercial activities for example, public transportation, markets, car parks among others.
“This will enable Local Governments to use money generated to discharge their statutory responsibilities and embark on more developmental projects”.