By Cynthia Rowe | Policy dialogues like this are more than just events. They’re spaces where ideas meet action, and where reform begins—not in documents, but in dialogue. They remind us that active citizenship is not a luxury, but a necessity for national development.
I started my career in public sector reform – and local government sat at the heart of every action. I remember my first encounter with local councillors in the UK, where as a young-ish woman I walked into a room of about 150 sixty-year-old men with folded arms and cynical expressions, to convince them that they could do better for their communities by changing the way they were held accountable. It was terrifying, challenging but very satisfying, and in the end, we became fast friends!
I was part of a vanguard in the 2000s that changed the 200-year-old UK Local Government system from joint committees, which often lacked teeth, to splitting out the executive and scrutiny functions so that it was really clear who was responsible for decision-making and spending. Fast forward to 2021, where the teams and I worked with the Nepali Government to put in place a unique form of federalism as part of the post-conflict political settlement including in the most remote parts of the Himalayas. We worked with provinces and local government, ranging from complex tax, allocations, and debt reform and to supporting Nepali mentors to sit alongside women who were taking office for the first time in their lives on how to call a meeting, write a minute and get results for their communities.
Local governance reform is a deeply political issue—here in Nigeria, and across the world. It touches on questions of sovereignty, legitimacy, and the everyday lives of citizens.
Each country approaches reform differently, shaped by its own history, institutions, and people.
So, while I won’t presume to judge Nigeria’s path, I can share a few lessons from our experience—and from our long-standing partnership with Nigerian governments.
At its heart, local governance is about how councillors are elected, how revenues are raised and spent, and how citizens are involved in decisions that affect their communities. These are not abstract issues—they’re real, and they matter deeply to Nigerians.
International evidence shows that when decentralisation is done well, it leads to fairer, more efficient, and more resilient public services—from health and education to water and sanitation and infrastructure.
And here in Nigeria, we’ve seen that when communities truly own projects, the results are stronger and more sustainable.
The UK–Nigeria Partnership
For over 20 years, the UK has worked alongside Nigerian states and local governments to strengthen planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
Through programmes like Mobilising for Development (M4D) and Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), we have supported Nigerian-led efforts to make the relationship between governments and their citizens more transparent and open to everyone in their communities.
In Kaduna State, for example, local governments are leading the way—developing plans and budgets and working with communities to select priority projects through a Community Development Charter process. An example: Kudan LGA carried out major renovations of the Primary School in Musawa, after years of dilapidation left pupils learning under leaking roofs and sitting on bare floors. The school was nominated for intervention during the 2021 and 2022 community development consultations, leading to its inclusion in the 2023 local government budget. Renovation works was completed with new chairs and tables provided, significantly improving conditions for both pupils and teachers.
But challenges remain. And of these challenges a key building block is the State Joint Local Government Account—t which has long been a source of frustration, with varying approaches across states and limited transparency.
The Supreme Court’s landmark decision was a major step forward—clarifying the rules around disbursement. But what’s needed now is a clear, agreed framework for managing LGA funds. Without this, primary schools won’t get books or repairs and children will not be educated to the standard they deserve and basic healthcare won’t be available. These are key ingredients that make up a rich productive country.
Five Lessons from the UK Experience with Devolution
As Nigeria charts its path forward, here are five lessons from our own journey:
- Clarity of roles between state and local governments is essential. It reduces overlap and improves service delivery.
- Strategic planning must accompany autonomy. Independence without direction risks inefficiency.
- Citizen engagement builds legitimacy. Councils must be rooted in the communities they serve.
- Fiscal autonomy is vital—but it must come with strong safeguards for transparency and accountability.
- Democratic values matter. Free and fair elections are the foundation of public trust
And from me:
- Learn from each other – Federal, States, and LGAs; and get the incentives right.
Nigeria is undertaking bold and transformational reforms. Agora Policy deserves credit for keeping these issues in the spotlight—and for creating spaces where ideas can be tested, refined, and shared. Real change happens when citizens hold leaders to account. And as a partner and friend, the UK stands ready, where invited, to support.
*Ms. Rowe is the Development Director at the British High Commission. This piece is adapted from her address at the July 22 event on Local Governance Reforms in Nigeria.
