The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has lauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s recent ruling that grants financial autonomy to local governments. This landmark decision is a significant stride in the country’s democratic evolution, reinforcing the principles of decentralization and grassroots empowerment.
In a statement, the NDYC extended its gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and his administration for championing this critical cause. They highlighted the administration’s political will and commitment to enhancing democratic institutions and empowering local governance. According to the NDYC, this move is expected to foster a more transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structure at the local level.
For many years, the absence of financial autonomy has stifled local development, hindered economic progress, and exacerbated social inequalities. The Supreme Court’s decision seeks to change this by enabling local governments to manage their own resources, cater to the specific needs of their communities, and respond more promptly to their citizens’ aspirations.
Nonetheless, the NDYC cautioned that financial autonomy alone is not enough. They urged the Federal Government to put in place strong monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure local governments handle their new responsibilities with integrity and accountability. Effective oversight mechanisms are necessary to prevent fund mismanagement and ensure that resources are utilized for public benefit.
The NDYC also called for the involvement of civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the oversight process. This collaborative approach aims to cultivate a culture of participatory governance, ensuring that public funds are allocated to projects that genuinely improve citizens’ lives.
Moreover, the NDYC appealed to local government officials to rise to the challenge and use this opportunity to demonstrate exemplary leadership. They emphasized the importance of focusing on essential areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment to drive sustainable development nationwide.
In conclusion, the NDYC praised the Supreme Court’s ruling as a triumph for democracy and a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s future. They commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its bold actions in realizing this long-awaited reform and called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure local governments serve as engines of inclusive and sustainable development.