The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has praised the recent Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. This significant ruling marks a crucial advancement in the nation’s democratic process, emphasizing decentralization and grassroots development.
The NDYC expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its role in achieving this milestone. They highlighted the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and empowering local governance as pivotal to the decision. The NDYC sees this move as a step towards more transparent, accountable, and efficient governance at the grassroots level.
Historically, the lack of financial autonomy has hindered local development, economic growth, and increased inequalities. The Supreme Court’s judgment aims to reverse these issues by allowing local governments to manage their resources, address community-specific needs, and respond swiftly to their constituents’ aspirations.
However, the NDYC stressed that financial autonomy alone is insufficient. They called on the Federal Government to establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure responsible, transparent, and accountable use of the newfound autonomy. The organization urged the implementation of oversight mechanisms to prevent fund mismanagement and ensure resources benefit the people.
Additionally, the NDYC encouraged collaboration between authorities, civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the monitoring process. This inclusive approach aims to foster participatory governance and ensure public funds support impactful projects that enhance citizens’ quality of life.
The NDYC also appealed to local government administrators to embrace their autonomy with dedication and responsibility. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that address critical issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment to drive sustainable development across Nigeria.
In conclusion, the NDYC hailed the Supreme Court’s judgment as a victory for democracy and a hopeful sign for Nigeria’s future. They celebrated President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its decisive action in realizing this reform and called for collective efforts to ensure local governments become catalysts for inclusive and sustainable development.