Senator Simon Bako Lalong has pledged the full backing of the National Assembly for the implementation of local government autonomy across Nigeria, assuring that ongoing constitutional amendments would address existing legal and structural challenges.
Lalong gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of Hon Iliyasu Zakari as Acting National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), where he was also appointed as the association’s patron.
He said the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that local government autonomy becomes fully operational, noting that relevant issues were already receiving priority attention in the constitutional amendment process.
“The constitutional amendment is still ongoing, and I am part of it. Issues concerning local government autonomy are currently at the forefront. Very soon, Nigerians will see the outcome of these efforts,” he said.
The senator emphasised that President Bola Tinubu has consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening local governments, including pushing for autonomy through legal and policy measures.
According to him, the President’s stance reflects a clear understanding that grassroots governance is central to national development.
He added that the National Assembly would work collaboratively with the executive and other stakeholders to ensure that local councils are empowered to deliver development at the grassroots.
Earlier, the Acting National President of ALGON, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” across the 774 local government areas.
Zakari said ALGON would deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to drive rural development, while the Chairman of ALGON’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Shaban Ohinoyi, described the inauguration as a turning point for the association.
He said ALGON had overcome internal challenges and was now repositioned to contribute meaningfully to governance, particularly at the grassroots level, where the impact is most direct.