The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to intensify its scrutiny of local government activities, ensuring that they adhere to the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency.
News About Nigeria reports that this commitment comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
At a national dialogue organised by Agora Policy, themed “Enthroning Accountability in Local Government in Nigeria,” the EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to promoting transparency and accountability in local government administration.
A representative of the EFCC Chairman, Friday Ebelo, said that good governance is contingent upon three essential elements: accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.
Ebelo stressed that effective governance requires dedicated and development-minded individuals to manage local government administrations.
The EFCC pledged to closely monitor local government activities, ensuring that citizens feel the impact of governance in their daily lives, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The commission warned that “business as usual” would no longer be tolerated, and it will focus on holding local governments accountable for their actions.
Agora Policy founder Waziri Adio emphasised the need for reform in rural government areas, citing the lack of trust and capacity in local government administration.
Adio noted that despite being expected to perform crucial functions, local government areas are failing to meet expectations.
He advocated for increased awareness, engagement, and accountability, emphasising the need to involve people directly in decision-making.
Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, emphasised the need for local governance reform, citing a conversation where a villager expected President Buhari to fix a local water issue.
Shettima commended the Agora Policy Centre for promoting policy conversations and acknowledged local government efforts to involve citizens in decision-making.
