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Governors Forum, State Assemblies Support LG Financial, Administrative Autonomy

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3 months ago

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…as Speaker Abbas say poor conduct of council elections must be improved
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind the administrative and financial autonomy of local government councils in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, stated this at the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment Constitution Amendment organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), on Monday in Abuja.
According to Governor A dulrazaq, majority of the states have duly elected local government councils in place, and this reflects a strengthened commitment to democracy at grassroots level.
Represented by the Director, Legal Services of the Forum, Chijioke Chukwu, he said the NGF recognizes the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy as a landmark development with profound implications for governance.
The Governor said the LG autonomy presents an opportunity to deepen service delivery across critical sectors, particularly health, care, education, and other social services.
He further noted that by empowering local governments to manage resources effectively, we can collectively ensure that development to choose every Nigerian, no matter how remote their community may be.
He said: “The Governor’s Forum remains resolute in its commitment to the effective implementation of local government autonomy. The Governors are keen to collaborate with stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, and other arms of government to translate this autonomy into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.
“It is our belief that a well-structured autonomy with mutually aligned implementation framework would not only drive accountability and efficiency in resource management, but would also catalyze sustainable development goals at the sub-national level. Together, we can transform the local government system into a vibrant vehicle for economic growth, social development, and national integration.
“The Nigerian Governors Forum also reiterates its readiness  to ensure that this transition to local government autonomy is impactful. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria”.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas in his remarks, described the conduct of local government elections in the country as disgraceful, and said it must be addressed.
He said, “Importantly, we must confront the disgraceful poor conduct of elections into the councils. We must find a way of instilling transparency, fairness and openness in the conduct of elections into local governments.doing this would require the understanding and collaborative efforts of the State governors and Houses of Assembly.
“We must find a way of convincing them that a strengthened local government system would relieve the States of unnecessary burdens and lead to grassroots development”.
Speaker Abbas, who represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the national dialogue was one in a series of consultations to harness citizens’ views and preferences towards efforts at having a truly peoples’ constitution in the country.
According to him, it serves as a vital opportunity for substantive discussions that will inform the Constitution Review Committee in making appropriate recommendations for amending the necessary provisions of the Constitution.
Abbas emphasised that this was essential to ensure compliance with the existing ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the status of local government councils.
He said it focuses on a critical aspect of our governance structure: the local government system.
“Local governments, the closest tier of government to the people, play an essential role in delivering services, fostering community development, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard at all levels of governance.
“However, for local governments to fulfil these roles effectively, they must operate with a degree of autonomy that allows them to respond promptly and appropriately to the unique needs of their communities”, he stated.
The Speaker further noted that there are significant challenges that hinder the effectiveness of local government councils, and they include inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, insufficient capacity, usurpation of its functions by other levels of government, corruption.
These and many more, he said, have plagued local governments for decades, not only stifle local governance but also impede national development.
He said the “need for reform has never been more urgent”.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the dialogue was not only to discuss a critical aspect of governance but also to reaffirm thr collective commitment to advancing democratic principles and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Kalu, who is the Chairman of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, also reiterated that as the closest tier of government to our citizens, local governments are pivotal in ensuring the delivery of essential services,ensuring inclusion, and enhancing democratic participation.
Represented by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, he regretted that the current state of local government councils and areas in Nigeria leaves much to be desired.
He said issues of limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity have continued to hinder their effectiveness.
Kalu said, “The recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming that local government councils and areas must be democratically elected and that their statutory allocations be paid directly to them marks a watershed moment in our nation’s governance journey.
“This ruling underscores the importance of ensuring that governance at all levels adheres to democratic principles and serves the people’s best interests. Yet, to fully realize the intent and impact of this landmark decision, we must confront the systemic issues that have long plagued local government administration.”
Executive Director of PLAC, Mr Clement Nwankwo, said the national dialogue on local government reforms is very key to improving the quality of our democracy.
“Local governments are so very key to any country’s democracy because it’s government at the grassroots. Unfortunately, the local governments in Nigeria continue to suffer from the lack of development of its institutions and its ability to deliver on its expectations of development.
“The House of Representatives Committee on the Constitutional Review taking on this issue as a major issue and as one of its flagship considerations as it proceeds and embarks on the Constitutional Review is so very important,” he said.
He hoped the conversation will translate into passage of landmark amendments l to the constitution that will impact on improving the quality of democracy.
Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and State Legislatures, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the issue of the independence and autonomy of local governments is at the heart of grassroots governance and development in Nigeria.
Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly was represented by the Speaker of the Jigawa House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu.
“Local governments will be pivotal to delivering essential services.fostering community participation and ensuring inclusive development. However, achieving this require robust financial and administrative independence, as well as transparent, credible, and legitimate elections.
“The state legislatures play an indispensable role in the realization of these goals as constitutionally empowered bodies.We are the gatekeepers of democracy and the sub-national levels. It is our duty to enact laws that empower local governments, ensure accountability, and provide oversight that guarantees the proper utilization of resources for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
Director of Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cynthia Rowe, said local governments brings governance closer to the people and has real impact on the lives of the people.
She stressed the need for a proper local government system for the benefit of citizens.
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Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51

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2 hours ago

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February 22, 2025

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, on his 51st birthday, saying the governor is a blessing to his people.
In a statement by Speaker Abbas, he commended Governor Bago who is also called the ‘Farmer Governor’ for revolutionising agriculture in Niger State, noted that the impact of the reforms is being felt across Nigeria.
The Speaker specifically hailed Governor Bago for prioritising food production at a time the country is making efforts to diversify the economy from oil.
Speaker Abbas said Governor Bago excelled as a member of the House of Representatives and is presently one of the best performing governors in the country.
He wished Governor Bago many more years on earth, in service to this fatherland, and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and wisdom to continue to manage the affairs of Niger State.
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Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51

Published

5 hours ago

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February 22, 2025

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…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.

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Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.

Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.

He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.

“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

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“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.

“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.

“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.

“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.

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“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”

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Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China

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5 hours ago

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February 22, 2025

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…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.

The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.

Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.

She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.

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The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.

“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.

“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.

“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.

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“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.

She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.

In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.

Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.

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He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.

Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.

He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.

“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”

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He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.

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