By Ayobami Ayorinde and Uchechukwu Eze | Agora Policy, with the support of MacArthur Foundation, hosted a high-level policy conversation on 22 July 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme “Local Governance Reforms: A Year After the Supreme Court’s Ruling.”

The event brought together a rich mix of stakeholders including government officials, policy experts, diplomats, development partners, civil society leaders, academics, and journalists to reflect on the aftermath of the landmark Supreme Court decision a year later and chart a path forward for local governance reforms in Nigeria. It was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), The Cable, and the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC).

Ms. Ojobo Atuluku, Board Chair of Agora Policy, gave the welcome address, setting the tone for the event. This was followed by an opening remark from Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation. Both speakers emphasised that reviving the promise of local democracy goes far beyond legal declarations. It requires breaking down entrenched systems of patronage, fundamentally restructuring local governance, reforming electoral processes, and rebuilding local councils as transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused institutions.

Goodwill messages were delivered by a distinguished lineup of guests, including Ms. Cynthia Rowe, Development Director at the British High Commission; Prof. Diana Mitlin, the Chief Executive Officer of ACRC and a professor of global urbanism at the University of Manchester; Ms. Deborah Isser, Lead Governance Specialist at the World Bank; Barr. Victor Muruako, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission; and Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

The keynote address was given by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun. He noted that local government autonomy is not just a constitutional issue, but a developmental imperative. He acknowledged that while direct transfers to local governments is a work in progress, the current fiscal structure requires significant reworking to ensure that local government areas can receive and manage their funds independently and effectively.

Prof. Remi Aiyede of the University of Ibadan then offered his reflections on fifty years of local government reforms in Nigeria. He described the journey as one marked by substantial progress but also persistent gaps. According to him, while the 2024 Supreme Court ruling is a step in the right direction, meaningful reform requires greater citizen engagement, stronger institutional frameworks, clearer delineation of intergovernmental roles, and true autonomy, not just laws on paper.

The heart of the event was a panel discussion that featured Hon. Akala Gajere, Technical Assistant at ALGON and former Chairman Karu LGA, who represented the National President of ALGON, Hon. Bello Yandaki; Mr. Akin Oyebode, Ekiti State’s Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Forum of Finance Commissioners; Hajia Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA); Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa; and Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of CFTPI. The session was moderated by Ms. Nancy Illoh-Nnaji, Executive Producer of ‘Moneyline with Nancy.’

The conversation was enriched by a spoken word presentation, a vibrant question-and-answer segment, and a drama performance by the Arojah Royal Theatre Group. Additional interventions and contributions came from Mr. Bello Idris Bakori of the ICPC’s Local Government Initiative Division and Barr. Alfa Mohammed, Chairman of the Citizens’ Rights and Judgments Enforcement Advocates.

Among the many notable attendees were: Mr. Chris Okeke, Senior Governance Adviser and Team Lead of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Mr. Amara Nwankpa. acting Director General, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation; Mr. Okafor Emmanuel Obi, President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI); Dr. Khalifa U. Mohammed, mni, National Secretary General of AANI and board member of NAICOM; Mr. Hamzat Lawal, Founder/Chief Executive, Connected Development (CODE); Ms. Cassandra Carraway, Political Officer of the United States Embassy in Nigeria; Dr. Dieter Bassi mni, Director of Policy, Planning and Strategy Department of NEITI and a member of AANI; Mr. Olusegun Elemo, the Executive Director of Paradigm Leadership Supportive Initiative (PLSI); Dr. Ogho Okiti, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance; AIG Zubairu Muazu (rtd) mni, a member of AANI; Mr. Chris Ngwodo, the Director General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE); Ms. Olayinka Babalola, Country Director, International Budget Partnership; and Professor Gani Yoroms of the National Defence College, Abuja.

Below are some pictures from the event: