Dr. Ade Dosunmu MON, a prominent public policy expert and former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has strongly advocated for the Federal Government’s proposal to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to local governments. He regards this move as essential for the advancement of Nigeria’s democratic experience.
Dosunmu praised the efforts of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who has taken the initiative to the Supreme Court. “This proposal is not only a welcome development but also long overdue,” Dosunmu remarked. He highlighted that the lack of autonomy for local governments has been a significant obstacle in Nigeria’s democratic journey, setting it back compared to other democracies.
In his statement, Dosunmu pointed out the inconsistencies within the 4th Schedule and Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution. These sections recognize local governments as an independent tier of government but also assign certain administrative functions to state governments and state assemblies. He urged that these contradictions be amended to ensure complete financial and administrative independence for local governments, similar to other federal systems worldwide.
“I commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this bold step,” Dosunmu continued. “Granting full autonomy to the 774 local governments will empower them to deliver the dividends of democracy directly to Nigerians, enhancing governance and political participation at the grassroots level.”
According to Dosunmu, the proposed autonomy will attract more qualified individuals to local government positions, thus reducing the overemphasis on state and federal levels. This shift will promote political inclusiveness, allowing federal and state governments to focus on broader policy issues while local governments address specific community needs. This change is expected to lead to more efficient service delivery, transparency, and accountability in local governance.
Moreover, Dosunmu noted that local governments, being the closest to the people, are in the best position to understand and meet local needs. Full autonomy would facilitate a more equitable distribution of power and resources, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In summary, Dr. Dosunmu emphasized that granting full autonomy to local governments would enhance governance, increase citizen participation, improve service delivery, and accelerate grassroots development. He believes this initiative represents a significant stride towards achieving good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Former NIMASA DG Dosunmu Advocates Full Autonomy of Local Governments as Key to Enhancing Nigeria’s Democracy
