Lagos, once a modest fishing village and pepper farm, has blossomed into a bustling metropolis, becoming Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a key player in West Africa. With unprecedented growth, it is projected to become Africa’s most populous city within the next 50 years, with a staggering rise in population from 15 million to an estimated 100 million. As people flock to the city in search of economic opportunities and refuge from the climate crisis and insurgency in other parts of Nigeria, governing such a rapidly expanding and diverse city becomes a monumental task. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of local government becomes crucial, as it is the level of governance closest to the people.
By the Nigerian constitution, Lagos has 20 local government areas (LGAs). The 2003 creation of 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) by the Lagos State government, had the Supreme Court, after a Federal Government challenge, declare their creation ‘valid but inchoate’. Nonetheless, even though not catered for in the monthly subventions of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), they still operate as full-fledged local governments, making Lagos effectively have 57 local governing authorities. These are meant to make the metropolis easier to govern but the return has been bad side roads, flooding caused by blocked gutters, lack of streetlights, increasingly unaffordable markets for traders, who now resort to indiscriminate street trading, waste disposal challenges, especially around trading areas, lack of potable water, and public health problems. The handling of the exclusive provision of amenities by the state government, where the local government only receives funds just enough for running costs goes against the spirit of the distribution and allocation of federation funds and negates the very existence of local governing authorities themselves. It is imperative to explore the challenges arising from the lack of effective local government in Lagos and its implications for managing a city of this magnitude.
Voices of Lagos Residents: The Impact of Absent Local Governance
The absence of a functional local government in Lagos deeply affects its residents as they grapple with numerous challenges in their daily lives. From Mrs. Abimbola Orugun in Mowokekere, Ikorodu LGA, to Ms. Ier Jonathan-Ichaver in Ajah, Lekki, and others like Mrs. Ololade Oyeniyi and Mrs. Helen Essien, the common theme is the lack of essential services and infrastructure. Bad roads, inadequate schools, no water supply, and overflowing drainages are some of the pressing issues they face. The absence of regular meetings and consultations between local government officials and residents further exacerbates the problem, leading to a lack of communication and transparency in addressing the area’s issues.
Mrs. Abimbola Orugun vividly describes the state of her area, lamenting the lack of essential services and infrastructure. In her words, “There are bad roads, no markets, no link roads, no primary school, no water, no transportation services, not even tricycles (which are popular in Lagos).” Her testimony highlights the pressing need for local government intervention to address these critical deficiencies.
Similarly, Ms. Ier Jonathan-Ichaver sheds light on the challenges faced in her locality due to the lack of a functional local government. Overflowing drainages, rubbish heaps, poorly lit areas, and deteriorating side streets are common problems that plague her community. She also highlights the absence of regular meetings and consultations between local government officials and residents, indicating a lack of communication and engagement in addressing the area’s issues. Ms. Jonathan-Ichaver further criticises the opaque communication channels with the local government chairman, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability in governance.
Mrs. Ololade Oyeniyi adds her perspective on the inadequacies of local government, emphasising the need for improved communications and understanding of the residents’ pressing needs. She highlights the overwhelming focus on collecting taxes and levies from businesses, which leaves little attention to the development and provision of crucial infrastructure, such as affordable markets for traders and market facilities for buyers and sellers.
Similarly, Mrs. Helen Essien echoes the sentiments of her fellow Lagosians, pointing out the absence of good roads, potable water, and primary health care facilities in her locality, particularly impacting the well-being of mothers and children. The lack of decent schools further compounds the challenges faced by residents in accessing quality education for their children.
Collectively, these voices paint a clear picture of the adverse effects of the absence of a robust and effective local government in Lagos. The lack of essential services, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance structures contribute to the daily struggles of Lagosians, hindering their access to a decent quality of life. As the city’s population continues to grow exponentially, the need for a responsive and accountable local government becomes increasingly urgent to address the pressing needs of its diverse and dynamic population.
Understanding Nigeria’s Local Government System
In Nigeria, the governance structure comprises three tiers of government: the federal, state, and local governments. While the federal government handles national matters and the state government focuses on issues affecting specific states, local governments are responsible for addressing the needs and concerns of communities within their respective areas. They play a vital role in providing essential amenities, developing infrastructure, regulating local activities, and supporting local businesses.
Challenges Faced by Local Governments in Nigeria
Local governments in Nigeria face several challenges, including delays in scheduling local government elections, disparities in revenue distribution, and limited financial resources due to overreliance on external allocations. These challenges hinder their ability to provide adequate services and infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population.
One major issue is the scheduling of local government elections, which are often marred by delays and inconsistencies. These delays can lead to prolonged periods without elected local government officials, affecting service delivery and citizen representation.
Another significant challenge is related to revenue distribution. While the recent FAAC allocation of N907.054bn for June 2023 signifies a revenue windfall, there may still be disparities in revenue distribution among the three tiers of government. Ensuring equitable allocation and judicious utilisation of funds at the local government level is crucial for addressing the pressing needs of rapidly growing cities like Lagos.
Moreover, local governments often struggle with limited financial resources due to overreliance on FAAC allocations and insufficient internally generated revenue. This financial constraint can hinder their ability to provide adequate services and infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population.
Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments to strengthen local governance systems, enhance revenue generation, and promote transparency in resource allocation. Additionally, fostering citizen participation and empowerment can lead to more effective and responsive local governance, enabling Lagos and other growing metropolises to tackle their unique complexities and improve the well-being of their residents.
Recent FAAC Allocation in Nigeria
In June 2023, Nigeria’s Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed a total sum of N907.054 billion among the federal, state, and local governments. This allocation represents a significant increase from the previous month and offers a potential boost to local government operations. However, prudent utilisation and equitable distribution of these funds are essential to address the pressing needs of Lagos and other growing metropolises.
The N907.054 billion total distributable revenue consisted of various components, namely:
- Distributable Statutory Revenue: N301.501 billion
- Distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) Revenue: N273.225 billion
- Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) Revenue: N11.436 billion
- Exchange Difference Revenue: N320.892 billion
Each of these revenue streams contributes to the overall funding available for the federal, state, and local governments to execute their respective functions and responsibilities.
In June 2023, there were deductions from the total distributable revenue to cover the cost of collection and other obligations. Specifically, N73.235 billion was deducted as the cost of collection. Additionally, N979.078 billion was set aside for savings, transfers, and refunds, indicating the need to manage financial commitments and maintain fiscal stability.
While the recent FAAC allocation signifies a revenue windfall, the challenges faced by local governments in Nigeria remain, particularly in rapidly growing metropolises like Lagos. Allocating funds in a way that addresses the pressing needs of local communities, scheduling timely elections, and ensuring transparency in revenue distribution are critical steps in overcoming the governance challenges in Lagos and fostering sustainable development in the city. Collaboration and effective management of resources among the three tiers of government can pave the way for improved service delivery and enhanced well-being of Lagos residents amidst the complexities of a growing metropolis.
Impact on Local Governance in Lagos
The recent increase in FAAC allocation holds significant potential for improving local government operations in Lagos. With more funds available, local authorities can address pressing issues and invest in essential services and infrastructure development. This increased revenue windfall offers an opportunity to bridge the resource gap and enhance the quality of life for Lagos residents, particularly those living in marginalized communities.
Effective utilization of the allocated funds is crucial to addressing the challenges faced by Lagos residents. The local government is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying and prioritising areas that require immediate attention, such as improving healthcare facilities, providing quality education, upgrading transportation networks, and implementing sustainable urban development projects. By strategically investing the funds in projects that cater to the needs of the populace, local governance should contribute significantly to the overall growth and development of Lagos.
To fully harness the potential benefits of the increased revenue windfall, it is imperative to overcome the deficiencies in local government administration in Lagos. Enhancing governance structures, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and empowering local authorities with autonomy and fiscal capacity are essential steps toward effective and accountable governance. Additionally, promoting transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of funds can foster public trust and confidence in the local government’s ability to address the city’s challenges.
Despite the challenges posed by Lagos’s rapid growth and complexity, the recent FAAC allocation offers a glimmer of hope for improved local governance in the metropolis. By wisely managing the allocated funds and fostering collaborative efforts between the federal, state, and local government levels, Lagos can embark on a transformative journey to become a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous city for all its residents. The continuous commitment of stakeholders and the dedication to addressing the city’s socioeconomic inequalities can pave the way for sustainable development and a brighter future for Lagos.
The Way Forward for Lagos: Advocating for Local Government Autonomy
One of the key steps to address the lack of local government in Lagos is to advocate for greater autonomy and empowerment of local authorities. By granting local governments more control over their resources and decision-making processes, they can better address the unique needs and challenges of their respective communities. This would involve revisiting the governance structures and legal frameworks to ensure that local governments have the necessary fiscal and administrative capacities to fulfil their roles effectively.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development
Given the rapid growth and complexity of Lagos, collaborative efforts between the state and local governments are essential. State authorities can work closely with local councils to formulate comprehensive development plans and allocate resources strategically. Synergistic cooperation can lead to better coordination of initiatives, effective utilization of funds, and holistic solutions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by the growing metropolis.
Promoting Citizen Engagement and Participation
Encouraging active citizen engagement through town hall meetings, consultations, and feedback mechanisms is vital to ensure that local governance reflects the needs and aspirations of Lagos residents. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity, leading to more responsive and accountable governance.
Building a Prosperous and Equitable Metropolis
The challenges faced in governing Lagos require a collective effort from stakeholders to strengthen local governance and create a prosperous and equitable metropolis. By addressing deficiencies, advocating for local government autonomy, and promoting citizen participation, Lagos can embark on a transformative journey toward inclusive development and improved quality of life for all its residents.
The journey ahead is not without challenges, but with determination, cooperation, and a shared vision, Lagos can overcome its obstacles and become a beacon of progress and prosperity in Africa. By building a functional and autonomous local government system, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development, Lagos can set a benchmark for other cities to follow. It is through concerted efforts and a commitment to the well-being of its residents that Lagos will continue to thrive as a dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant metropolis for generations to come. All said, it is critical for the Lagos State Government to allow local government to work so that the immediate needs of people can be well-catered for.
