• Reps panel seeks empowerment of LGs, revenue formula review

• ALGON urges fiscal empowerment

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has unveiled the reforms being proposed in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to stakeholders in the southern region of Nigeria.

The reforms, according to him, include gender inclusion in politics and governance, youth and women empowerment, and constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

The Speaker, in his address, yesterday, at the citizens’ roundtable meeting with the leadership of the House in Owerri, the Imo State capital, stated that through a series of substantive consultations, the House has sought public perspectives on key legislative priorities and pressing national issues.

Abbas, represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said: “From focused discussions on appropriation and state policing to deliberations on national security, state police, economic resilience, political inclusion, and equitable gender representation, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to aligning our legislative efforts with the dynamic aspirations of the people we serve.”

ALSO, the House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation has advocated the need for stronger collaboration between all tiers of government to ensure that local councils in Nigeria are not only empowered but also made effective and accountable to the people they serve.

Chairman of the Committee, Richard Bamisile (APC, Ekiti), said this, yesterday, during a national retreat and interactive workshop organised by the committee, in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

The retreat, which had as its themes “Enhancing the Capacity of Local Government Councils and “Review of the Vertical Revenue Formula,” with active participation of the 774 local councils, sought to reinforce grassroots governance and bring government closer to the people.

Bamisile underscored the importance of harmonisation between federal, state, and local councils in shaping Nigeria’s legislative and governance landscape.

He explained that empowering local councils to legislate through impactful bylaws would be pivotal to improving accountability and delivering services at the grassroots.

Abbas, who was represented by Agbodike Paschal (APC, Anambra), reminded participants of the central role local councils play in governance.

He stressed that the success of any administration depends on strengthening grassroots governments and ensuring effective enforcement of local laws.

National President of ALGON, Bello Lawal, aligned with the committee’s focus, stressing that the retreat offered an opportunity to redefine the fiscal relationship between local councils and the other tiers.

He described the call by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for a review of the revenue sharing formula as a chance for local councils to have a stronger voice in national fiscal planning. (THE GUARDIAN)