Adesanya-Davies Urges Tinubu to Ensure Direct LG Allocations Translate to Grassroots Development
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a public policy analyst and educationist, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the Federal Government’s reforms on direct allocation to local governments translate into tangible and measurable development across Nigerian communities.
Adesanya-Davies made the appeal in a statement on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while commending the Tinubu administration for its efforts to strengthen local government financial autonomy.
She, however, stressed that financial autonomy must be accompanied by transparency, accountability and verifiable outcomes to restore public confidence in governance.
According to her, Nigerians are currently facing significant economic pressures, including rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and education, making it imperative for government to clearly demonstrate how public resources are being utilised.
“Nigerians are asking for accountable governance. Where allocations are sent directly to local governments, let there be regular, accessible disclosure of amounts received, expenditure details, and the development projects delivered to communities,” she said.
The professor urged local government authorities to move beyond budgetary announcements and demonstrate the impact of public spending through improved services and infrastructure.
She identified functional primary healthcare centres, motorable rural roads, potable water, well-equipped schools, effective sanitation and waste management, as well as youth employment and empowerment programmes, among areas requiring greater attention.
“Direct allocation must translate to direct development. The people should see and feel the difference in their communities,” she stated.
Adesanya-Davies Proposes Stronger Accountability Measures
To ensure that public funds are properly managed, Adesanya-Davies proposed quarterly publication of local government financial statements, approved projects, contractors, implementation timelines and completion reports.
She also called for independent physical verification of major projects to ascertain their quality, location and compliance with approved budgets.
The public policy analyst further advocated regular community accountability sessions where local government officials would present budgets and provide updates on project implementation.
“A project is not completed merely because funds have been disbursed. It is completed when the people benefit from it and when the quality matches the resources invested,” she said.
Calls for Digital Transparency Platform
Adesanya-Davies also urged the Federal Government to establish a national digital transparency platform through which citizens could access real-time information on local government allocations, project approvals, costs, contractors and implementation status.
“This is 2026. We have the technology to make public expenditure visible. Nigerians deserve a government that is open by design,” she said.
She maintained that the success of the administration’s economic reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly those living in towns and rural communities.
“Public funds are a public trust. If resources are reaching the grassroots, then development must also reach the grassroots. Let the Nigerian people see and experience the dividends of democracy,” Adesanya-Davies added.
