The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) and with support from the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, held a one-day strategic meeting with members of the Anambra State House of Assembly to strengthen local government administration in the state.
The meeting, which was part of the implementation of the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Process (STAGE 2) project, focused on enhancing legislative supervision and promoting accountable governance at the grassroots level.
Addressing participants, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the organisers for initiating the engagement, describing it as timely, especially as preparations for local government elections were ongoing. He noted that the House had, in October 2024, enacted a comprehensive Local Government Administration Law aimed at improving governance at the grassroots.
Rt. Hon. Udeze expressed support for local government autonomy but emphasised that certain joint responsibilities, including primary education and primary healthcare, require clear legal frameworks to ensure proper coordination among federal, state and local governments. He added that collaboration remains essential for effective service delivery.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of Centre LSD, Mr. Monday Osasah, said the theme of the meeting, “Strengthening Legislative Oversight and Local Government Leadership in Anambra State,” underscores the importance of local governments as the tier of government closest to the people.
He explained that the STAGE 2 project, implemented with support from the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to deepen democratic governance in Anambra State. According to him, the initiative builds on the success of STAGE 1, which mobilised citizens and stakeholders to advocate for local government elections, leading to the successful conduct of elections across the 21 Local Government Areas in September 2024, the first in a decade.
Also speaking, the President of IPCRC and Chairman of Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, said the second phase of the project is designed to sustain democratic gains by building the capacity of elected local government officials and strengthening institutional structures. He emphasized the need for continuous engagement between civil society and lawmakers to promote transparency and accountability.
In a paper presentation titled “Effective Oversight of Local Government Administration in Anambra State: Constitutional, Judicial and Legislative Perspectives,” the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Awka Branch, Barr. Michael Ozojiofor, highlighted the constitutional and judicial debates surrounding local government autonomy. He noted that recent Supreme Court pronouncements have reinforced financial autonomy for local governments but stressed that tensions remain between state oversight powers and evolving judicial interpretations, which may require constitutional amendment.
Lawmakers who spoke at the event described the engagement as interactive and impactful. Member representing Ogbaru I, Hon. Noble Igwe, called for a holistic constitutional review to address issues surrounding financial autonomy and joint responsibilities. Barr. Mimi Azikiwe (Onitsha North I) described the session as thorough and constructive, while Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata II) reaffirmed the House’s commitment to strengthening the local government system through legislation and regular elections.
Participants expressed optimism that the engagement would contribute to improved accountability, transparency and governance across all local government areas in Anambra State.
By Ukpa Ewa
