By joshua 
Induction course for elected Kogi LG officials: LG Autonomy, panacea for democracy to thrive – Don.
… As Gov. Ododo Restates Commitment to Transparency, LG Autonomy.
Effective Local Government Administration has been described as a panacea for democracy to thrive and take it rightful place in Nigeria.
This was the summation of Samuel Oguche, Senior Research Fellow, National Institute for legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, visiting associate professor of law, Brigham University, Karu.
The University Don made the disclosure while making a presentation at the ongoing workshop organized by the Office of the Auditor General for Local Governments in collaboration with the 21 LGC of Kogi State at an Induction course for elected Kogi local Government officials and finance/administrative Staff.
With the Theme; emerging challenges and benefits of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria, tasked the Legislative arms of the Councils to think outside the box on initiative that will improve council administration and not wait for Money to come.
Speaking on the topic; Understanding the dynamics of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: Challenges and benefits, the Don expressed worry that LG autonomy has been misinterpreted in recent times, described LG autonomy as the cornerstone of democratic governance, challenged against over dependent on federal allocation.
He said when fully in operation, Local Government Autonomy will ensure effective service delivery, grassroots development and political inclusion, urged elected and appointed leaders to begin to look inward on laws and policies that will improve on their finances rather than think Autonomy is waiting for money from the Federation account.
While pointing out that the State House of Assembly is responsible for making laws that govern the establishment, structures and functions of local Government within the State, also added that it is responsible for enacting laws for the safeguard the Autonomy of local Government as well as ensuring their financial independence and administrative efficiency.
He called on the State Assembly to Carry out their financial oversight on Local Government, added with the advent of Local Government Autonomy, as contained in
Section 128, 129 of the 1999 constitution as amended, the State Lawmakers need to do more.
While he acknowledged constitutional inadequacies as contained in section 162(7),(8), called for the harmonization of the inconsistencies through an amendment. He however added that LG autonomy when fully understood and in full operation will lead to improve service delivery, grassroots development, strengthen democratic governance, reduce beauracratic bottle necks and economic growth to
He listed corruption, mismanagement, financial dependence, weak legal enforcement poor capacity as challenge posed by the local Government Autonomy bill, called for legislative action that will align with the Supreme Court judgement of the Local Government Autonomy Law.
He called capacity building, improve oversight, technical support, constitutional altercation to clarify the State joint account as well as the political will to make a success of the Law.
Similarly, he called for the enhancement of financial management, strengthen intergovernmental relationship, improve constitutional provision if the essence of financial Autonomy for Local Governments is to be achieved.
Recalled that Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo,
Kogi State Governor, flagged off the three-day induction course for local government officials, emphasizing the importance of equipping them with skills and knowledge to harness the opportunities presented by local government autonomy.
The programme started on April 28, 2025, aims to promote transparency and accountability in local government administration.
The induction course is attract Council Chairmen, their Vice, all the Legislators and stakeholders committed to advancing good governance at the third tiers of government.
Yakubu Isiaka Adabenege, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, who represented Governor Ododo at the opening, highlighted the significance of the programme.
This initiative is in line with Governor Ododo’s commitment to strengthening local government administration and promoting autonomy. Previously, he had urged Directors of Local Government and Treasurers to uphold the tenets of local government autonomy and professional ethics.
The induction programme will run until today, April 30, 2025, and is expected to equip local government officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage resources and deliver services to the people.