Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has committed to reinforcing local government authorities as a strategy to tackle the nation’s security issues.
On Monday, during the National Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Level, organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja, the President emphasised this commitment. Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu stressed the necessity of addressing security challenges directly.
He highlighted that ongoing security problems, which have long threatened the nation’s safety and well-being, need urgent attention. The persistence of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities has severely disrupted the peace and prosperity of the country.
“We must realise that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security,” he remarked.
In light of these challenges, President Tinubu’s administration is determined to introduce measures to fortify the local government system. He underscored that peace, security, and political stability cannot be achieved solely through the accumulation of arms and ammunition. True national security is rooted in eradicating hunger, disease, poverty, and unemployment through sustainable development initiatives.
He pointed out that addressing these underlying issues is crucial for attaining lasting national security. Local governments, being the closest to the people, play a vital role in promoting human security by delivering essential services such as health, education, sanitation, and social welfare directly to communities.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address these challenges by empowering local government authorities with the necessary resources. Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people,” he said.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stated that effective governance is key to meaningful growth. He urged every Nigerian to take an active interest in the proper functioning of governance, noting that good governance is foundational to a prosperous society.
He expressed concern that many local governments rely heavily on the Federation account for their expenses, including staff salaries. He called for local governments to develop new, viable methods and sources to generate additional revenue to supplement what they receive from the Federation account via the States.