A former Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa has outlined a comprehensive approach to improving governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

While making a presentation during the just concluded Local Government Summit, organized by Lagos State Local Government Service Commission in Lekki, Rotinwa highlighted key areas for reform and development, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and citizen engagement.

He affirmed that with strategic reforms, innovative funding, and increased citizen participation, local governments can become engines of development, ensuring that communities thrive and governance is brought closer to the people.

Speaking on the theme: “Strengthening Grassroots Governance & Service Delivery in Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, he stressed that enhancing grassroots governance allows for direct representation and community participation, ensuring that local governments become more accountable and effective.

He underscored four critical benefits of strengthening grassroots governance & service delivery to include: Improved Service Delivery, Enhanced Accountability, Fostering Community Development and Revenue Generation by exploring alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships, to sustain development efforts.

Speaking further on a Roadmap for Effective Local Governance, Rotinwa proposed a structured action plan to ensure sustainable grassroots governance, adding that training, mentorship, and partnerships are essential in empowering local government officials.

Additionally, he listed a Four-Year Development Plan that prioritizes basic needs assessment, service provision, revenue generation, and infrastructure development. This includes improving water supply, healthcare facilities, education, waste management, transportation networks, and commercial hubs.

Despite the outlined strategies, Rotinwa acknowledged several challenges affecting local governance, including: Inadequate Manpower, Lack of Community Participation, Political Interference, High Cost of Governance, Asset Mismanagement, among others.


On the way forward, Rotinwa proposed Improved Funding Mechanisms, Accountability Mechanisms, Community Engagement, Infrastructure Sustainability, just to mention a few.

The former Chairman, emphasized that strong leadership is crucial for successful local governance, while also advocating visionary leadership, community-driven policies, and an unwavering commitment to service delivery.

“Success does not happen by chance; it is always a result of deliberate decisions and actions. By prioritizing grassroots governance and empowering local authorities, Nigeria can unlock sustainable development, improved service delivery, and a higher quality of life for its citizens,” he stated.

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