Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has pledged to strengthen Local Government authorities to overcome the challenges of insecurity in the country.
The President stated this on Monday at the National Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Level, organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu said that it is imperative to confront the challenges of insecurity head-on.
According to the President, the challenges of insecurity have persisted over time, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the nation.
He said that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, had undermined collective peace and prosperity.
“We must realise that the Local Government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security.
“It is in light of the foregoing that our administration is committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system.
He said that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace security and political stability, but true national security lies in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
According to him, addressing these factors is the key to achieving enduring national security.
“The Local Governments being the closest government to the people are strategically positioned in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address these challenges by empowering Local Government authorities with the necessary resources.
“Local Governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people,” he stated.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that effective governance will bring about meaningful growth.
He believes that every Nigerian should, as a matter of civic responsibility, be interested in the effective functioning of governance and that good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society.
He expressed worries that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salaries.
He added that the Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more revenue into their coffers to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the States.
VON