In a significant move towards strengthening local governance in Anambra State, Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring the consistent and sustainable delivery of essential services, such as primary education and healthcare. These laws are crucial in guaranteeing that teachers and healthcare workers receive their salaries and pensions on time, eliminating arbitrary disparities between different local government areas.
The newly established accountability mechanisms will ensure that funds allocated for salaries, pensions, and essential services are managed with transparency and equity. By centralizing resource management through the Local Government Service Commission and relevant bodies, the state seeks to avoid the potential chaos of independent operations by each local government.
A key feature of these laws is the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funding arrangement. This requires the state to contribute matching funds to access federal education resources, ensuring that all local governments have equitable access to educational funding. In contrast, direct negotiations with UBEC by individual local governments could lead to unequal educational opportunities, dependent on their financial strength.
Similar principles apply to the healthcare sector. The new legislation supports the consolidation of funds for primary healthcare services, ensuring that every ward in Anambra State has access to quality healthcare facilities staffed with adequately compensated medical personnel. Without these laws, the primary healthcare system risks fragmentation, resulting in disparities in service delivery across various regions.
Governor Soludo emphasized that these laws are not intended to undermine local government autonomy but to foster collaboration, promote transparency, and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers and retirees in the state. He described them as a pragmatic approach to local government administration within Nigeria’s evolving federalism, where intergovernmental collaboration is vital for sustainable development and the welfare of citizens.
“This administration is committed to building systems and institutions designed to endure,” said Governor Soludo. “We are taking concrete steps to protect the advancements made in local governance, education, healthcare, and financial transparency, ensuring that Anambra State remains a leader in good governance in Nigeria.”
The government reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the local government system, making it more transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and, most importantly, the citizens of Anambra State, will be prioritized to ensure effective local governance and service delivery for all (MOI).
Nwanodu is of the Ministry of Information.