President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that the true test of government policy is not what is announced in Abuja, but what changes occur in wards, villages, and communities. He made this statement while declaring open the maiden Annual National Conference of the 774 local government chairmen at the State House. The conference, themed ‘Cascading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots,’ aims to bring national policies to the grassroots level.
The president, represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, highlighted his experience as Lagos State Governor. During his tenure, he created 37 local council development areas to shorten the distance between government and the governed. This experience reinforced his belief that Nigeria cannot develop from the centre alone. He demonstrated political will by approaching the Supreme Court to affirm local government financial autonomy.
Tinubu described the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, as historic, affirming the constitutional rights and financial autonomy of local governments. He charged chairmen, councillors, and management to deliver better primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, safe water, food systems, and opportunities for women, youth, and small businesses. The president urged councils to become centres of planning, delivery, early warning, and measurable results driven by technology and reliable statistics.
On security, Tinubu emphasized that lasting peace is built community by community. He called on chairmen to work with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women groups to detect and address grievances before they escalate. The president urged local leaders to create an atmosphere for peaceful participation, discourage thuggery, intimidation, and hate speech, and protect youths from substance abuse.
Tinubu challenged local government areas to stop being passive recipients of federal initiatives and instead become active development partners, leveraging Regional Development Commissions. He urged the chairmen to come up with sound recommendations to address challenges slowing LGA development and build a stronger, secure, and prosperous federation.
The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, also emphasized that the success of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda must be felt at the grassroots. He noted that local governments, as the tier closest to the people, have a critical role in translating national policies and programmes into tangible development outcomes.
The Annual National Conference of the 774 local government chairmen will hold from September 22 to 24, 2026. The conference provides an opportunity for local government leaders to deliberate on practical strategies for implementing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.
Key points
- President Tinubu emphasizes the importance of local government autonomy in delivering basic services to citizens.
- The Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, affirmed the constitutional rights and financial autonomy of local governments.
- Local governments are urged to become active development partners, leveraging Regional Development Commissions to drive growth and development.
