For inclusive and responsible grassroots development, organisations like ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) have stressed the importance of local government councils’ financial probity, resource mobilisation, and public finance strengthening.
They made the announcement in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, during a two-day meeting of the state’s local government chairmen on the topic of “Strengthening Local Governance for Enhanced Grassroots and Youth Development.” The meeting was organised as part of the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) project.
According to a communiqué signed by Elkanah Oluyori, Director of CIF, and Celestine Okwudili, Head of Programmes and Policy at ActionAid, the CSOs stated that the conversation began with the pressing necessity to bring local government into line with the re-established financial independence of LGAs, citizen expectations, and wider state/national development goals.
In its statutory revenue generating drive, the communiqué urged council chairmen to consider not only FAAC but also their opportunities for internal growth inside the state and to seek out strategic partnerships with foreign donor organisations.
According to the communiqué, the local government should think about what they have to offer and what they can generate in order to find new ways to earn money, such as approaching donor agencies for assistance. To accomplish this, they can establish a system within the local administration or form a technical group to collect funds.
Funds should be sought after through grants, PPPs, and donors by the LGA fundraising teams that are based on merit. Work together with the state to support health insurance and initiatives that train educators.
Additionally, the communiqué expressed disappointment that certain state governments continue to control the distribution of funds to local governments and urged the Presidential Committee on Financial Autonomy for Local Governments to set concrete deadlines and a measurable plan to ensure that all local governments in Nigeria have complete financial independence.
Councils are encouraged to publish their budgets and service delivery targets via platforms like MyLGAGovTrack for real-time monitoring. The communiqué also stresses the importance of inclusive budgeting processes with clear feedback mechanisms for citizens, particularly youth and women.
But, the event also included the presentation of a Youth Demand Charter to each of the 31 chairmen of local government, along with the request that they use the charter as a guide to include climate change, education, and agriculture in their respective LGA agendas.
In order to encourage young people to become involved in government, the communiqué also requested that each of the 31 LGUs set up a Youth Desk.