CISLAC hosts stakeholders in roundtable on advancing local government autonomy in Abuja
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Pan African Strategy and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG) held a high-level roundtable today, Thursday, August 14th, 2025, in Abuja to advance local government autonomy and strengthen the role of traditional institutions in governance.
The one-day meeting, themed “Strengthening Local Government Autonomy and Formalising the Role of Traditional Institutions” with the sub-theme “What Next After the Zaria Declaration?”, gathered academics, legal experts, private sector leaders, and media professionals to discuss grassroots empowerment.
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Barrister Hassan Gimba of CISLAC welcomed participants, followed by CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), who commended partners for their role in promoting reforms. The event featured presentations and panel discussions on the state of local governance in Nigeria.
Along with other representatives of the Department of Local Government Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor D. M. Jumare delivered a communique summarising outcomes from the preceding International Conference in Zaria, laying the foundation for the day’s discussions. Other speakers included Barrister Nabil Ahmad, Shettima DanAzumi, Solomon Adoga, and other distinguished participants.
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Neptune Prime, in attendance, gathered that key discussions centred on implementing the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy, formalising traditional institutions’ roles, and strengthening civil society involvement. Interactive group sessions developed practical strategies for capacity building, reforms, and innovation in local governance.
Recommendations included constitutional amendments for local government independence, improved training and resource management, and empowering traditional leaders in decision-making. Stakeholders agreed that these steps are key to improving grassroots governance and service delivery.
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