| Problem:
Many roadblocks to strengthened democracy remain in Nigeria.
Political elites are still entrenched in political structures, excluding
the majority of citizens from meaningful political participation.
Violent conflicts, triggered by communal, ethnic, religious or resource
allocation issues, and systemic corruption are key governance issue
that pose a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Under the Nigerian
constitution, it is the role of state and local governments to deliver
basic services for its citizen, including education, health care,
and economic infrastructure. However, many of the local/state governments
are neither equipped nor prepared to carry out this role, and citizens
lack the capacity to articulate their needs and hold government accountable.
Budget reforms, including public disclosure of proposed budget allocations
at the Federal level was introduced by the Obansanjo administration
to ensure that states receive allocations from national revenues,
which for many states is substantial. While a portion of these funds
are earmarked for local government councils, modalities for disbursement
of funds from state to local government and management of these resources
vary significantly from state to state. Regardless of the management
approach, the result is pretty much the same -- citizens have not
enjoyed improvements in critical services.
USAID plans to work in target states to build the capacity of local
government councilors and chairmen, permanent staff, selected state
government authorities, civil society and the private sector to
form partnerships that will result in more capable governance and
improved delivery of priority services.
Approach:
USAID will promote democratic local governance by building the capacity
of local and state governments to assume greater roles and responsibilities
in addressing the demands of their constituents. Particular emphasis
will be placed on improving the delivery of basic services by local
and state governments to: 1) establish organizational structures
and procedural mechanisms; 2) establish local funding mechanisms,
budgets, accounting and financial management systems; 3) establish
devolved authority for local decision-making and service delivery;
4) enhance capacity to carry out legislative and oversight responsibilities
related to service delivery and other government activities, and
(5) establish regularized mechanisms for citizen participation in
governmental decision-making processes for greater transparency
in the use of resources for the public good.
Anticipated Results:
Number of sub national government Entities receiving USG assistance
to improve their performance
• Number of Local Mechanisms Supported with USG Assistance
for citizen engagement.
• Number of Individuals who receive USG Assisted Trainings,
Including management skills and Fiscal Management, to strengthen
Local Government and/or Decentralization
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