BREAKING : National Assembly Grant Full Autonomy to Local Governments

The National Assembly has granted full financial and administrative autonomy to the 774 local government councils across Nigeria by amending Section 124 of the nation’s constitution. This historic decision, made on Tuesday, establishes local councils as a full third tier of government, free from undue state interference.

This amendment was one of 23 changes approved by the House of Representatives last week and ratified by the Senate on Tuesday. The amendments were harmonized through a conference committee and included significant structural changes.

The newly amended constitution, which will be sent to State Houses of Assembly for approval, includes the creation of the Office of Auditor General of the Local Government and the State Local Government Service Commission. The amendment also removes the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution, transferring the power to conduct local government elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the National Assembly retained the immunity clause for the President and Governors, aligning with the Senate's position and rejecting the House of Representatives' version, which sought its removal.

Additionally, the amendments make provisions for independent candidacy in future elections by modifying sections 65 and 106 of the 1999 constitution. 

This landmark decision marks a significant step towards enhancing local governance and democratic processes in Nigeria.