The recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy is significant in Nigeria’s governance. This ruling sets the stage for transformative changes in community security and policing.
Indeed, credit should be given to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for taking the bull by the horns on this hitherto lingering matter. The president has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirming the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of local governments.
The president said:
“This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief, and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.”
The affirmation of the independence of local governments holds the promise of enhanced grassroots governance, more responsive security measures, and empowered local administrations capable of addressing the unique challenges of their communities.
The decision to grant autonomy to local governments in Nigeria fundamentally changes the power dynamics within the country’s federal structure. Previously, state governments had substantial control over local councils, often dictating their operations and financial management. This centralised control has frequently resulted in inefficiencies, corruption, and a lack of responsiveness to local needs.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, local governments can now operate independently, manage their resources more effectively, and tailor their administrative functions to the specific requirements of their constituencies.
One of the most significant implications of this ruling is its potential to improve community security and policing. Security is inherently local; the effectiveness of security measures hinges on understanding the specific dynamics, threats, and needs of individual communities. Local governments, being closest to the people, are in the best position to develop and implement security strategies that are both relevant and effective.
With this autonomy, local governments can now create and oversee community policing initiatives without unnecessary interference from state authorities. This shift in authority can result in the formation of local security networks of community members familiar with the area and its residents. These networks can collaborate with traditional law enforcement agencies, offer valuable insights, build trust, and enable quick responses to security threats.
Community policing, when properly implemented, is a powerful tool for crime prevention. It emphasises proactive measures, community engagement, and the development of trust between the police and the public. Local government autonomy allows for the customisation of these initiatives to reflect each community’s unique cultural, social, and economic conditions, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Autonomous local governments can also allocate resources more efficiently to address security challenges. With direct control over their budgets, they can invest in necessary infrastructure, technology, and training for local security personnel. For example, they can install surveillance systems in high-risk areas, provide better equipment for local law enforcement officers, and conduct regular community safety audits to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Additionally, local authorities can encourage collaboration with traditional leaders and community groups to improve vigilance and cooperation. These partnerships are vital in rural areas where traditional institutions often play a key role in maintaining order and security.
The ruling also paves the way for stronger community engagement in security matters. Autonomy empowers local leaders to involve community members in the decision-making process, ensuring that security policies reflect the lived experiences and concerns of the populace. This participatory approach can lead to more effective and sustainable security solutions.
Historically, the relationship between law enforcement and communities in Nigeria has been strained due to perceptions of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in its 2020 crime statistics that over 150,000 crimes were reported nationwide, with local government areas being major hotspots for violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
In 2022, Lagos State alone recorded over 1,600 cases of armed robbery, according to the Nigeria Police Force. This highlights the security challenges even in urban areas with presumably better resources.
If implemented correctly, local autonomy will allow for the establishment of more transparent and accountable security structures that are directly answerable to the people they serve. This transparency can help rebuild trust, encourage cooperation, and foster a collective commitment to safety and order.
While each community has its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Autonomous local governments can develop tailored security solutions that address specific issues such as youth unemployment, drug abuse, or ethnic tensions. By involving community members in identifying these challenges and crafting solutions, local authorities can ensure that security measures are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and socially inclusive.
The impact of local government autonomy extends beyond immediate security improvements. It has the potential to contribute to the long-term stability and development of towns and villages. Secure environments attract investment, encourage economic activity, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy is a significant moment in Nigeria’s quest for effective governance and community security. The decision holds the potential to transform security measures, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable development. As local governments take on their new roles, the promise of safer, more prosperous communities comes closer to realisation and heralds a new era of grassroots empowerment and responsive governance in Nigeria.
Nobody is under the illusion that Nigeria’s problems would vanish by this affirmation. However, as President Tinubu stated, a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.