The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong, has said that the Local Government has a critical role to play in driving Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation and national development.
Lalong made this statement in Abuja at the inauguration of the new leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), where he was also announced as patron of the body.
This was even as ALGON assured that it was committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Lalong, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Electoral Matters, stressed that without a functional and empowered Local Government system, no meaningful national progress could be achieved, stating that governance must be rooted at the grassroots to deliver real impact.
He noted that effective administration at the local level holds the key to unlocking development across sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“Local governments are central to national development because they are closest to the people. If governance does not work at that level, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful progress at the national level,” he said.
The lawmaker commended President Tinubu for his consistent advocacy for local government autonomy, describing it as a critical reform necessary for deepening democracy and improving service delivery.
He said that Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the third tier of government predated his presidency, adding that recent policy actions by the administration reflect a deliberate effort to reposition local governance in Nigeria.
“I know the president appreciates the role of local government chairmen and councillors. That is why he continues to emphasise autonomy and the need to give local governments the attention required for effective administration,” he stated.
The politician revealed that the National Assembly was working assiduously to resolve constitutional issues surrounding local government autonomy through ongoing amendment processes, expressing optimism that the exercise would soon yield results, and paved the way for the full implementation of reforms aimed at empowering local councils.
Acting National President of ALGON and Chairman of Agwara Local Government Council in Niger State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, promised that the association would take deliberate steps to popularise and implement Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in all the 774 local government areas in the country.
Zakari described his inauguration as a defining moment for ALGON, demonstrating a renewed commitment to aligning grassroots governance with national priorities.
He said the new leadership would strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, particularly the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to ensure that federal policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens at the local level.
Chairman of ALGON’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Shaban Ohinoyi, said that the renewed cohesion within ALGON would enable it to play a more effective role in advancing grassroots governance and supporting federal initiatives.
