Senator Simon Bako Lalong has expressed strong commitment from the National Assembly to endorse the implementation of local government autonomy throughout Nigeria. He emphasized that ongoing amendments to the Constitution will tackle existing legal and structural barriers.
This commitment was made on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of Hon. Iliyasu Zakari as the Acting National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), where Lalong was also named the association’s patron.
Lalong assured that the National Assembly is dedicated to making local government autonomy a reality, highlighting that pertinent issues are already being prioritized in the ongoing constitutional amendment efforts.
He stated, “The constitutional amendment is still ongoing, and I am part of it. Matters concerning local government autonomy are currently a top priority. Very soon, Nigerians will witness the results of these initiatives.”
Furthermore, the senator acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's continuous dedication to the enhancement of local governance, including advocating for autonomy through both legislative and policy avenues.
He noted that the President's position reflects a profound understanding that effective grassroots governance is crucial for national progress.
Lalong assured that the National Assembly intends to collaborate closely with the executive and other stakeholders to empower local councils, enabling them to foster development at the community level.
Earlier, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, the new Acting National President of ALGON, reaffirmed the association’s support for the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” across Nigeria's 774 local government areas.
Zakari indicated that ALGON aims to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to promote rural development, while Hon. Shaban Ohinoyi, Chairman of ALGON’s Board of Trustees, characterized the inauguration as a pivotal moment for the association.
He remarked that ALGON has successfully navigated internal challenges and is now better positioned to make substantial contributions to governance, particularly at the grassroots level, where the effects of policies are most directly felt.
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