Call for Constitutional Reforms for LGA Autonomy in Nigeria

Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, the Executive Director of the non-governmental organization CCIDESOR, has urged for urgent constitutional reforms to amend Section 162 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution to ensure full autonomy for local government areas (LGAs). Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, he highlighted the significant monthly allocations to the nation's 774 LGAs, which have not translated into visible development, particularly in primary education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.

Ononamadu's analysis revealed that funds are often misaligned with community needs, leading to poor prioritization of projects. He criticized the chronic issues inhibiting effective service delivery, including lack of financial autonomy and weak accountability frameworks.

Ononamadu called for the federal government to initiate constitutional amendments that would establish direct funding mechanisms for LGAs and strengthen oversight against corruption. He emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in budget prioritization and the need for local governments to publish financial reports regularly to enhance transparency and accountability.