The Director – General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS) , Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, declared in Abuja on Thursday that for Nigeria to experience balanced and sustainable development, dividends of democracy at the grassroots is key .
Professor Sulaiman stated this in his address at the opening ceremony of 2- day training workshop for officials of Local Government Councils from Kaduna state .
“For the country to experience balanced and sustainable development, there is need for the majority of the Nigerian population who live at the third tier of government to benefit from the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.
“This will be better achieved if democracy at the local government level is not only entrenched but also strengthened to provide the much needed welfare and services for the general wellbeing of the rural populace.
“Indeed, local government and the practice of democratic local governance is key and can play a strategic role in sustaining the democratic transition by building public confidence in government, facilitating meaningful participation of the citizens, mobilise for public deliberations and oversight of government, and establishing mechanisms for increased transparency and responsiveness of government institutions.
“In addition, local government plays an important role in establishing a foundation for a fair and competitive electoral system, contributing to conflict resolution at the community level and mitigating destabilizing forces that threaten democracy. Indeed, no one could make these a reality if not for you at the grassroots”, he said .
He implored participants at the workshop to make the best use of the opportunity the training offered them to add value to local government administration in Nigeria.
” I congratulate all officials nominated to participate in this 2-day training workshop on effective local government administration for sustainable development.
“At the end of the workshop, you will all attest to the meaning and practicable conversation in annexing effective local government administration in Kaduna state”, he added.
