Centre LSD, IPCRC Engage Anambra Assembly on Strengthening Local Government Administration

By Ukpa Ewa

The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), with support from the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, held a one-day strategic engagement with members of the Anambra State House of Assembly aimed at strengthening local government administration in the state.
The meeting formed part of the implementation of the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Process (STAGE 2) project and focused on enhancing legislative oversight as well as 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 convening what he described as a timely engagement, particularly as preparations for local government elections were underway.
He disclosed that the House had enacted a comprehensive Local Government Administration Law in October 2024, designed to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots.
While reaffirming his support for local government autonomy, Rt. Hon. Udeze noted that certain joint responsibilities—such as primary education and primary healthcare—require clearly defined legal frameworks to ensure effective coordination among the federal, state, and local governments.
He stressed that collaboration across the tiers of government remains critical to achieving meaningful development outcomes.
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,” reflects the strategic importance of local governments as the third tier of government closest to the people.
He explained that the STAGE 2 project, implemented with support from the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), seeks to deepen democratic governance in Anambra State. According to him, the project builds on the gains of STAGE 1, which successfully mobilised citizens and stakeholders to advocate for the conduct of local government elections—culminating in elections across the state’s 21 local government areas in September 2024, the first in over a decade.
Also speaking, the President of IPCRC and Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, said the second phase of the project is focused on consolidating democratic gains by strengthening institutional frameworks and building the capacity of elected local government officials.
He emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between civil society organisations and lawmakers in promoting 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, examined the constitutional and judicial debates surrounding local government autonomy.
He noted that recent Supreme Court pronouncements have reinforced the financial autonomy of local governments but observed that tensions persist between state oversight powers and evolving judicial interpretations—issues which, he argued, may require constitutional amendment.
Lawmakers who participated in the engagement described it as interactive and impactful. The member representing Ogbaru I, Hon. Noble Igwe, called for a holistic constitutional review to resolve lingering challenges related to 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 robust legislation and the regular conduct of elections.
Participants expressed optimism that the engagement would contribute to improved accountability, transparency, and governance across all local government areas in Anambra State.