Former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, and former Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, have called for a decisive shift from mere local government autonomy to measurable, people-centred impact, stressing that sustainable national development must be anchored at the grassroots.
Banire, who was represented by Dr. Adekunle Adegoke, SAN, made this call while delivering the keynote address at a high-level symposium organised by Naijanewsdirect, an online newspaper based in Lagos.
The event, themed ‘From Autonomy to Impact: Repositioning Local Governments for Grassroots Development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Reforms’ was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, on Thursday, 30 April, 2026, and attracted policymakers, political leaders, scholars, and key stakeholders in governance.
In his keynote address, Banire described local governments as the “engine room of development,” lamenting that the third tier of government has long been weakened by systemic neglect, financial constraints, and political interference. He noted that despite clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing democratically elected local councils and assigning them responsibilities such as primary healthcare, basic education, sanitation, and rural infrastructure, many local governments have struggled to deliver on their mandates due to structural challenges.
He observed that the Joint State–Local Government Account system had, over the years, deprived councils of adequate funding, leading to poor service delivery and a loss of public trust. He also criticised the dissolution of elected councils and the imposition of caretaker committees by some state governments, describing the practice as unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic development.
According to him, when citizens no longer rely on their local governments to address basic needs, it is a clear indication that the system is broken.
Banire, however, credited the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu with advancing reforms aimed at restoring local government autonomy, particularly through the landmark Supreme Court ruling in A.-G., Federation v. A.-G., Abia State (2024), which mandates direct allocation of funds to local governments. He described the judgment as a turning point in Nigeria’s governance framework, providing a pathway for financial independence at the grassroots.
He emphasised that autonomy alone is insufficient without capacity and accountability, outlining the need for investment in skilled leadership, data-driven planning, and transparent governance.
He also called for reforms in State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to ensure credible local government elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
The guest speaker, Hon. Ajala stressed that governance at the grassroots must be inclusive and people-oriented, transcending political affiliations. He noted that once elected, leaders must serve all residents irrespective of party lines, adding that effective local governance requires a strong commitment to service delivery in areas such as education, healthcare, and community development. Drawing from his experience in office, he highlighted the importance of autonomy in enabling councils to function optimally and deliver meaningful development outcomes.
Ajala further linked grassroots development to national stability, noting that functional local governments can stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and address security challenges by creating opportunities at the community level. He maintained that if local governments work effectively, the nation as a whole will benefit.
Banire also warned that increased funding without accountability could undermine ongoing reforms, urging anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, and citizens to actively monitor the utilisation of local government funds.
He stressed that council executives must justify the resources at their disposal to avoid continued public dissatisfaction and misplaced blame on the Federal Government.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Naijanewsdirect and author, Tunde Ogunmola, described the symposium as a strategic platform to advance discourse on grassroots governance.
He noted that his book,
‘People, Politics and Power at the Local Level: Strategies for Effective Governance and Community Development’ was inspired by years of experience in journalism, public service, and political engagement, and is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice in governance.
He emphasised that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on strengthening governance at the local level and urged participants to engage meaningfully in shaping policies that will drive development from the grassroots.
