Bauchi Assembly conducts public hearing on Local Government administration bill
By Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad
The Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs has conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2025 local government administration bill.
The move is to collate necessary informations, contributions and recommendations from relevant stakeholders to ensure clarity, structure, and mechanisms for the effective functioning of local government councils in the state.
In his welcome address, the Chairman state assembly committee on local governments and Chieftaincy Affairs Bala Abdullahi Dan, noted that, the proposed law would foster uniformity, promote good governance, enhance citizen participation, and strengthen institutional frameworks, creating a solid foundation for sustainable local governance.
According to him, The State house of assembly has recognizes the crucial role local governments play in governance, service delivery and grassroot development, hence the reason for the bill to enhance local administration in Bauchi State especially with regard to local government autonomy.
Bala Abdullahi Dan added that the major issues in the bill include strengthening local government autonomy to ensure financial and administrative independence to promote self governance and effective services delivery as well as establishing clear guidelines for financial management, budget implementation and public sector audit.
Representatives of traditional rulers at the public recommended for the involvement of traditional institutions in decision marking processes at the grassroot for rapid growth and development.
Speaking on behalf of the twenty local governments chairmen, the Chairman of Giade Local council Alhaji Usman Randy said they study the bill carefully and make necessary recommendations that would champion effective administration of local government in Bauchi State.
He hoped the bill when passed into law and assented by the State governor would provide a good level playing ground for them to operate.
While representatives of Civil Society Organizations called for extension of local governments chairmen to 3 years instead of two years.
