A Chief Lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr. Udeme Nana, has called on the National Assembly to amend or completely remove Section 3(6) of the 1999 Constitution to allow states to create more local government areas for equitable development across rural communities.
Dr. Nana made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Annual Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/NGOs Conference held in Uyo, organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN). The theme of the conference was “State of Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Using Akwa Ibom State as a Case Study.”
He argued that the constitutional provision fixing the number of local government councils in Nigeria hinders grassroots development and should be liberalized to empower states to create additional development areas.
Nana also advocated for the amendment of Section 197(1) of the Constitution, which mandates states to fund State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC). He questioned the logic of such funding, noting that it contradicts the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment directing that funds be paid directly to local government councils.
Furthermore, he proposed extending the tenure of local government councils to four years, renewable once, to align with the constitutionally prescribed tenure for other democratically elected officials.
On tourism, Dr. Nana urged the state government and the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council—recognized as the first formally created local government in British West Africa—to collaborate in establishing a Museum of Local Government Administration in Ikot Ekpene. He also suggested that the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic create a Department of Local Government Studies to train future administrators.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Emmanuel Enoidem (SAN), emphasized the importance of local government autonomy, lamenting that the current constitutional framework offers inadequate protection for the third tier of government.
Earlier, CHRAN’s State Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting transparency, civic engagement, and accountability. He warned that as the election season approaches, governance might take a back seat to politics, urging CSOs to work together to protect citizens’ interests.
Isong commended Governor Umo Eno for ensuring that FAAC allocations reach all 31 local councils in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. However, he expressed concern over poor performance by local government officials, describing the councils as “poverty-brewing centers” despite substantial federal allocations.
He blamed the problem on the flawed recruitment process of council chairmen and called on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to intensify its oversight of local governments to restore effective grassroots governance.
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