Navigating Autonomy in Nigeria’s LGAs: Challenges and Opportunities

Local government autonomy in Nigeria has been a topic of intense public debate and policy consideration, especially the return to democratic rule in 1999. The discourse revolves around how local government Authority (LGA) can operate independently of state and federal control to deliver services and promote grassroots development effectively. Local government administration in Nigeria has its antecedent in colonial administration and has passed through various political and administrative stages. Before gaining independence, the local administration was mainly in line with the traditional authority structures, but after independence, a distinct and elaborate local government system was implemented. The most distinctive change was the 1976 Local Government Reform, where structural changes aimed at improving efficiency were introduced. Despite these reforms, local governments have struggled to achieve genuine autonomy.

This edition of the Nextier SPD Policy Weekly analyses the debate around local government autonomy, the challenges hindering local government autonomy and opportunities for strengthening local governance.

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