Message to Mr President Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Issue to ensure the autonomy of the third tear of government ( LG) 

 By Sulaiman Auwal Marshall

Dear mr President i wishes  to shed more light on the crucial issue of granting autonomy to our local government bodies.

It is a matter that requires our utmost attention and understanding, as it directly impacts the development and well-being of our communities.

Local governments are the backbone of our democratic system in Nigeria because they are the closest level of government to the people, entrusted with the responsibilities of meeting the needs and aspirations of our citizens.

However, in many cases, their ability to effectively serve their communities has been hindered by a lack of autonomy which state assembly in most state in the country creates what they call joint account between state and Local Governments.

Autonomy for local governments means granting them the power and freedom to govern and make decisions independently, without interference from higher levels that is state government. This includes financial autonomy, where local governments have control over their own revenues and budgets, enabling them to prioritize and address the unique needs of their area.

The importance of granting local government autonomy cannot be overstated. It empowers communities and allows them to have a say in the decisions that directly affect their daily lives. It fosters citizen participation, accountability, and transparency in the governance process.

It is a fundamental step towards ensuring good governance and decentralization, as power is distributed among different levels of government, ultimately leading to more effective and responsive service delivery.

When local governments have autonomy, they are better positioned to understand the specific challenges and opportunities within their communities.

They can tailor policies and initiatives to address local needs, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and job creation.