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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for genuine autonomy for local government areas (LGAs), emphasizing its potential role in addressing rising insecurity, including banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings.
Speaking at a press briefing following an emergency meeting of the association’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and past presidents in Abuja, former ALGON president and BOT member Ibrahim Dasuki stressed the need for stronger local governance in security efforts.
He noted that most security challenges occur in rural areas rather than major cities, attributing this to the weakened local government system.
He recalled that in the past, LGAs, alongside traditional institutions, played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security.
Dasuki urged the government to integrate traditional rulers into security frameworks, arguing that despite existing security committees involving various agencies, traditional leaders should be actively involved in combating local threats.
Commending the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Dasuki expressed hope that legislative efforts by the National Assembly would further strengthen LGA independence.
He asserted that with true autonomy, many security challenges could be effectively managed and ultimately resolved.