FG Urges Local Governments to Drive Economic Growth
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has called on Local Government Councils (LGCs) across the country to seize the opportunity to become engines of economic growth and development.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, made this call during a courtesy visit by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). He urged LGCs to leverage the recent Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy to focus on their areas of comparative advantage.
“We have 8,809 Wards in the country, we are willing to support them in what they can do better,” Bagudu said, expressing optimism about the potential for significant economic growth at the local level.
ALGON President, Engr. Bello Lawal, noted the importance of the visit in strengthening the relationship between the association and the Ministry. He emphasized the role of LGCs in implementing government initiatives at the grassroots level and the need for adequate funding to fulfill this mandate.
Lawal welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision on financial autonomy, stating that it would revitalize local government administration. He sought the Federal Government’s support in capacity building, healthcare programs, education, and other development initiatives to improve the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots level.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Vitalis Obi, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting LGCs and congratulated Engr. Bello Lawal on his election as ALGON President.
By empowering LGCs, the Federal Government aims to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
