Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution: A hallmark of retrogression in community development, by Love Obiani Arugu
When Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, many of us believed the 1999 Constitution would be a tool for progress, especially at the grassroots. It was meant to empower local governments, deepen democracy, and ensure that development reached the ordinary citizen. Today, more than two decades later, that hope seems increasingly misplaced.
The truth is simple, our constitution centralises power at the expense of local communities. Local governments, the institutions closest to the people are often denied the authority and resources they need to thrive. Money meant for local development is routinely diverted, projects stall, and communities are left waiting for services that never come. The dream of participatory development remains just a dream.
The issue of financial autonomy is the clearest example. In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that all 774 local government councils have the right to receive allocations directly from the Federation Account, bypassing state governments. The court also declared the continued use of unelected caretaker committees unconstitutional. This was a landmark decision, one that should have empowered communities and strengthened democracy at the grassroots.
Yet, more than a year later, most states have refused to implement the ruling. Funds still flow through state-controlled accounts, councils remain financially shackled, and local initiatives continue to die before they even begin. This is not a technical oversight, it is a direct affront to the rule of law and a clear signal that the constitutional architecture favours state elites over ordinary citizens.
The consequences are obvious: citizens lose trust, local development stalls, and inequality deepens. A system designed to serve the people instead serves political interests. And the irony is bitter: the very constitution meant to protect democracy and community development has become an instrument of retrogression.
It is time for urgent reform. We must strengthen fiscal federalism, ensure the enforcement of court rulings, and give local communities real power over their resources. Without this, the promise of democracy will remain empty, and grassroots development will continue to lag decades behind our expectations.
Nigeria deserves a constitution that empowers, not restrains, that delivers services, not excuses, and that places the community at the centre of development, not the elite. Until then, the 1999 Constitution will remain a hallmark of retrogression in community development.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
