Abuja – As the Senate and House of Representatives embark on another phase of reviewing Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, senators have reached a consensus on granting full autonomy to local governments but remain deeply divided on the establishment of state police across the country.
This comes after the Senate, in a plenary session earlier this year, declared that Nigeria’s 774 local governments were non-functional, accusing state governors of mismanaging funds meant for local councils.
The Senate had emphasized that the original objectives of the local government system had been largely undermined by successive administrations, which have eroded local government autonomy, restricting their financial independence and decision-making powers. Corruption and inefficiency within some local governments have further diminished public trust.
In a landmark ruling on July 11, the Supreme Court barred state governors from retaining or using funds allocated to local governments, declaring it unconstitutional. This ruling has fueled renewed efforts in the Senate to protect local government autonomy and has led to Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledging to amend the constitution to secure local governments’ independence.
During a two-day retreat in Kano to discuss constitutional amendments, senators on the Committee for Constitution Review unanimously supported including full local government autonomy in the constitution. However, the issue of state policing remains a point of contention.
Senators from the South-East and South-South regions also advocated for the creation of additional states in their zones during the retreat.
Leading the discussion on local government autonomy, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), alongside other key senators, called for the full independence of local governments. Bamidele argued that the current constitution has placed too much power in the hands of state governments, which has weakened local governance.
Bamidele stated, “The autonomy of local governments must not be undermined. While the current constitution gives state governments control over local councils, this has led to inefficiencies and misuse of funds. We need to amend the constitution to ensure that local governments operate independently, as affirmed by the Supreme Court ruling.”
Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) echoed Bamidele’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of local government reforms. Nwoko said, “Local governments have become ineffective. We need to ensure that they are financially independent and have the authority to handle local matters, such as security and healthcare.”
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, added that restructuring local governments is key to improving governance at the grassroots level. He noted that with financial autonomy, local governments would be better equipped to serve their communities.
However, the debate over state policing has divided senators. Those in favor of establishing state police argue that it would strengthen security across the country. Senator Sani Musa argued, “Every state is facing security challenges, and state police could help address these issues. We need to evaluate whether this is the right step for Nigeria and what the potential advantages and disadvantages are.”
Opponents, including Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), disagreed, expressing concerns that state police could be abused by governors to target political rivals. Ndume emphasized the need to strengthen and properly equip the existing police force rather than creating a new policing structure at the state level.
Meanwhile, the push for the creation of additional states continues, with Senators Ned Nwoko and Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) advocating for new states in the South-East and South-South regions. Nwoko, in particular, highlighted the longstanding agitation for the creation of Anioma State, stating, “The demand for Anioma State has been ongoing for nearly 50 years. It’s time we address this.”
Izunaso also stressed the need for equity and balance among the geopolitical zones, arguing that the South-East, which currently has five states, should be brought in line with other zones that each have six states.
As the constitutional review process progresses, the Senate remains united in its commitment to local government autonomy but will continue to debate the establishment of state police and the creation of additional states.
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