Lalong: LGs Critical to Nigeria’s Socio-economic Transformation
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Former Plateau State governor and senator for Plateau South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Senator Simon Lalong, on Monday underscored the pivotal role of local governments in driving Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation, declaring that the third tier of government remains critical to national development.
Lalong made the assertion in Abuja at the inauguration of the new leadership of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), where he was also unveiled as patron of the body.
Acting National President of ALGON, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, pledged that the association would take deliberate steps to popularise and implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across all the 774 local government areas in the country.
Lalong stressed that no meaningful national progress could be achieved without a functional and empowered local government system, stating that governance must be rooted at the grassroots to deliver real impact.
According to him, effective administration at the local level holds the key to unlocking development across sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“Local governments are central to national development because they are closest to the people. If governance does not work at that level, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful progress at the national level,” Lalong said.
He commended Tinubu for his consistent advocacy for local government autonomy, describing it as a critical reform necessary for deepening democracy and improving service delivery.
Lalong said Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the third tier of government predated his presidency, adding that recent policy actions by the administration reflect a deliberate effort to reposition local governance in Nigeria.
He stated, “I know the president appreciates the role of local government chairmen and councillors. That is why he continues to emphasise autonomy and the need to give local governments the attention required for effective administration.”
The former governor revealed that the National Assembly was working assiduously to resolve constitutional issues surrounding local government autonomy through ongoing amendment processes. He expressed optimism that the exercise would soon yield results, paving the way for the full implementation of reforms aimed at empowering local councils.
He added, “The constitutional amendment process is ongoing, and those issues are at the front burner. Very soon, Nigerians will see the outcome of these efforts geared towards strengthening governance at the grassroots.”
Lalong urged local government leaders to go beyond administrative functions by mobilising support for federal government policies within their respective domains.
He emphasised the need for synergy between federal, state, and local governments to ensure that development initiatives were effectively implemented across the country.
Zakari, who also serves as Chairman of Agwara Local Government Council in Niger State, described his inauguration as a defining moment for ALGON, signalling a renewed commitment to aligning grassroots governance with national priorities.
He said the new leadership would strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to ensure that federal policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens at the local level.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy framework at the federal level but a reality in every ward, every community, and every local government area across Nigeria,” Zakari said.
He added that ALGON would prioritise unity, stability, and strategic partnerships to reposition the local government system for improved service delivery and sustainable development.
Chairman of ALGON’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Shaban Ohinoyi, also described the inauguration as a turning point for the association, stating that it has overcome internal challenges and is now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Ohinoyi said the renewed cohesion within ALGON would enable it to play a more effective role in advancing grassroots governance and supporting federal initiatives.
He said, “Today, we stand repositioned and ready to make meaningful contributions to national development, particularly at the grassroots level where governance impacts the lives of our people most directly.”
The event marked a significant moment for ALGON as it sought to redefine its role in Nigeria’s governance architecture, with stakeholders expressing optimism that a strengthened local government system would accelerate development outcomes across the country.
With renewed calls for autonomy and enhanced collaboration among tiers of government, attention is increasingly shifting to the grassroots as the foundation for sustainable national growth.
