ALGON calls for implementation of LG autonomy to strengthen grassroots governance

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the implementation of local government autonomy to strengthen grassroots governance structures.

ALGON National President, Bello Lawal, made the call during the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum on Monday in Abuja, commending President Bola Tinubu for initiating the autonomy process.

ALGON believes that local governments should be the strongest tier of government due to their proximity to the people, with every Nigerian residing in a local government area.

Lawal urged the implementation committee to fast-track action on the Supreme Court judgment allowing direct funding for local governments, noting that it’s almost a year since the judgment was delivered.

ALGON also sought collaboration with federal and state governments, private sector actors, development partners, and traditional institutions to implement its programmes.

The forum emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation in project monitoring and evaluation, with grassroots administrators and civil society organizations calling for more inclusive and collaborative efforts.

ALGON is championing initiatives such as the Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Programme and a National Integrated Local Government System to enhance grassroots development.

The National Integrated Local Government System focused on digital registration of births, deaths, marriages, and indigenization processes.