Resource persons tackle topical discussions around Local Government Autonomy at the NBA State of the Nation Dialogue

The NBA State of the Nation Dialogue held at the NBA Secretariat, NBA House. Abuja, was irresistibly fascinating to both guests and resource persons who graced the event, as topical discussions on Local Government autonomy was brilliantly driven home by the carefully selected speakers.

The theme of the dialogue is "Strengthening Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria"

These expert voices collectively provided a comprehensive insight on the legal, financial, and governance dimensions of local government autonomy.

In an opening remark, a former Attorney General of Oyo State and Chairman of the LG monitoring committee, Mr. Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo commended the Nigerian Bar Association for organizing such a timely and consequential discourse and emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision represents a paradigm shift in the legal and administrative Landscape of local government operations in Nigeria.

Ojo said that the judgment reinforces the constitutional position that local governments must operate as independent entities with financial and administrative autonomy, free from undue interference by state governments.

H said inter alia:
“| adopt the statement as ably delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN,”

“In addition to that, let me say that we should all not deceive ourselves. the position before the judgment of the Supreme Court was lethal, and from that date onward, the position has changed.

Whether we like it or not, there is a judgment of the Supreme Court in place, and that judgment is from the Apex Court.

We must all live with it, and it would be wrong for anyone to think they can compromise or circumvent the judgment of the Supreme Court.” he said

Ojo maintained that any attempt to undermine the apex Court’s ruling is not only illegal but also criminal, adding that all persons, bodies, and institutions must comply fully with judicial pronouncements, especially those from the highest court in the land.

Meanwhile. he warned that failure to adhere to the judgment would constitute a grave breach of the Law and could foster anarchy.

Ojo also highlighted a critical point that is often overlooked: which is the Local government system.

He said that it mirrors the structures found at the federal and state levels.

“Local governments have their own executive committees comprising the chairman and vice chairman, which is similar to the president and vice-president or the governor," he said.

The discourse concluded with a consensus that the Supreme Court’s judgment is a watershed moment for Nigeria’s democratic development. It reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional principles and provides a clear legal framework for strengthening local governance.

Audience and participants expressed optimism that, with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, the goal of achieving full Local government autonomy will soon become a reality.


TRIPLENET reports that vibrant speakers at the event included Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko, JSC (Rtd.), and Mr. Tijani Gazali, SAN, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation.

The event also featured robust panel discussions involving key representatives from the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and seasoned legal practitioners.