The Role of Local Governance in Nigeria’s Democratic Future
Foundations play a crucial role in preserving the legacies of individuals whose lives and work have shaped society. They serve as vehicles for posthumous influence, ensuring that the ideas, ideals, and values of these figures continue to resonate long after their passing. This is especially true for those whose contributions are tied to the search for solutions to fundamental human and social challenges. The Binuyo Foundation, founded by Chief Adebimpe Lala and the late Deaconess Patience Mogbadunola Lala, is one such institution. Since its inception in 2014, it has been dedicated to fostering discussions on critical issues ranging from sustainable development to constitutional reform and the quality of life in Nigeria.
As the speaker of the ninth annual lecture of the Binuyo Foundation, I aim to contribute to this mission by focusing on the importance of local governance and its potential for revitalisation. Democracy, at its core, is a grassroots-oriented system. It thrives when citizens are actively involved in shaping policies that affect their lives. This involvement occurs primarily at the community level, where people interact with government structures and programmes on a daily basis. To make democratic governance meaningful, it must be rooted in the realities of these communities.
My interest in local governance stems from my experiences growing up in Okeho and Aáwé, where communal values played a central role in shaping identity and progress. These values, influenced by the African triple heritage of Christianity, Islam, and traditional culture, fostered a sense of unity and responsibility. Communal projects, such as schools and development initiatives, were driven by collective effort and a shared vision for progress. This experience highlights the importance of local governance as a framework for both individual and community development.
The significance of local governance was further reinforced by my engagement with scholars like Professor Ojetunji Aboyade and Akinlawon Mabogunje, who developed the OPTICOM model. This approach emphasizes the strength of local structures and worldviews in driving development. It involves collaboration between researchers, communities, and local leaders to create sustainable change through social mobilisation, communication, and extension services.
The theoretical foundations of local governance can be traced to several frameworks, including the basic needs approach, Amartya Sen’s capability approach, and the social capital approach. These theories highlight the need to measure development not just by economic growth but by improvements in quality of life, education, health, and social cohesion. These principles underpin global initiatives like the UNDP’s Human Development Index and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on empowering vulnerable populations and leaving no one behind.
Despite these theoretical advancements, the practical implementation of local governance in Nigeria has faced significant challenges. The 1976 Ibrahim Dasuki Local Government Reform marked an important step in recognising local governments as the third tier of government. However, subsequent reforms, such as the Aboyade Revenue Allocation Committee and the Dasuki Local Government Review Committee, highlighted the need for greater autonomy and financial stability for local governments. These efforts aimed to address issues of subordination and inefficiency, but much remains to be done.
To move forward, several key steps are necessary:
- Legal and Constitutional Reforms: The relationship between the federal, state, and local governments must be redefined within the context of Nigeria’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
- Inter-Governmental Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between state, local governments, and traditional authorities can enhance service delivery and build on social capital.
- Checks and Balances: Implementing systems like the World Bank’s Local Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) protocol can improve accountability and performance tracking.
- Social Mobilisation: Community-based models like OPTICOM and IDIPR demonstrate the power of cooperative networks in driving development.
- Capacity Building: Addressing the capability deficits of local governments is essential for effective implementation of reforms.
The future of democratic governance in Nigeria depends on how effectively we manage the functionality of local governments. The Binuyo Foundation has played a vital role in reminding us of the importance of this issue. As we continue to reflect on the path forward, it is clear that local governance must be at the heart of our efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
