By Erewunmi Peace

One year after the landmark Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, Agora Policy, an Abuja-based think tank, is set to host a high-level national dialogue on Monday, July 22, 2025. The event, themed “Local Governance Reforms: One Year After the Supreme Court’s Ruling”, will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

This dialogue aims to examine the progress, challenges, and prospects of implementing the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 ruling, which reinforced the financial and administrative autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs). The court had mandated that local governments receive their funds directly from the federation account, thereby curbing the control previously exercised by state governors through joint accounts and caretaker appointments.

Agora Policy, known for its evidence-based approach to public policy, will bring together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on the implications of the ruling for grassroots development, service delivery, and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Executive Director of Agora Policy, Waziri Adio, emphasized the importance of the dialogue in consolidating gains made since the court decision. “This is a critical moment to assess whether the Supreme Court ruling is translating into real reforms at the local level and to identify what more needs to be done,” he stated.

The event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and policy recommendations, all aimed at strengthening local governance and ensuring accountability across the tiers of government.

With the increasing demand for inclusive governance and improved service delivery, this dialogue presents an opportunity to shape the future of local government administration in Nigeria.