The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has emphasized the critical role of local government autonomy in national growth and development.
The union is advocating for financial, administrative, and political independence for local governments to enhance the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and address security challenges.
NULGE National President, Mr. Ambali Olatunji, highlighted these points during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
He stressed that local government autonomy is essential for effective governance and economic development.
“We must make local governments financially, administratively, and politically autonomous,” Olatunji stated.
He also underscored the importance of community policing, advocating for a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to security.
“Our policing policy should not be reactionary but pre-emptive to effectively address insecurity. Local government must be the platform for policing evolution in Nigeria.”
Furthermore, Olatunji called on the Federal Government to implement policies addressing unemployment at the local government level.
He suggested reviving the vocational skills acquisition departments within local governments to train and empower women and youth in rural communities.
“The vocational skills acquisition department across local governments has been systematically erased over time,” Olatunji noted.
“This level of government should be given adequate attention to address the needs of those in rural areas. It will significantly improve livelihoods and ensure a better Nigeria for everyone.”
NULGE’s stance is that strengthening local government autonomy is crucial for the country’s overall development and security. NAN
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