The Africa Centre for Transparency and Anti-Corruption Advocacy (AFRIC-TAAD) recently convened a high-level public lecture at American Spaces, Murtala Muhammad Library, Kano, focusing on the future of local government administration in Nigeria.
The event, themed “The Future of Local Government in Nigeria: Balancing Autonomy with Transparency and Accountability,” brought together government officials, civil society actors, youth groups, academics, and community representatives to deliberate on reforms needed to strengthen governance at the grassroots.
In his welcoming remarks, the Executive Director of AFRIC-TAAD, Najibullahi Danjuma Musa, provided a brief historical overview of decentralization in governance, highlighting its importance in ensuring responsive and people-centered governance at the grassroots.
He also presented the mission, vision, objectives, focus areas, and success stories of AFRIC-TAAD.
the AFRIC-TAAD Boss further encouraged participants to be active discussants, noting that their insights are vital for promoting effective, efficient, accountable, and corruption-free local government administration.
Delivering his keynote address, the Executive Director of The Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC), Dr. Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, stressed that local government autonomy can only thrive when anchored in transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.
He noted that without systems that ensure openness, financial discipline, and community involvement, autonomy becomes “an empty ambition.”
A panel of experts, Barr. Nura Ahmad Muhammad Mufarka of Mufarka and Zainab Nasir Ahmad of Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Disease and Social Vices (YOSPIS) further explored the challenges affecting local government performance, highlighting the critical role of citizens, stronger legal frameworks, and fiscal reforms.
They emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring mechanisms and a governance culture that prioritizes service delivery over political interests.
Participants proposed several measures aimed at improving local government effectiveness.
These include the introduction of annual Citizens’ Accountability Reports, digital budget tracking tools, direct funding for local governments, the adoption of community-based development plans, and increased civic engagement at ward and council levels.
At the end of the lecture, attendees resolved to advocate for transparent, accountable, and people-centred local governance.
They also pledged to support AFRIC-TAAD’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives and grassroots development programs.
AFRIC-TAAD noted that autonomy empowers local governments, transparency builds citizens’ trust, and accountability ensures long-term sustainability, making them essential pillars for Nigeria’s democratic development.
