The role of grassroots governance in community development in Nigeria.

The role of grassroots governance in community development in Nigeria.

By Fashina Shakiru

Grassroots governance in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in advancing community development initiatives, ensuring that local governments are empowered to cater to the basic needs of rural communities, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. This governance model not only facilitates grassroots development but also fortifies democratic processes by actively engaging citizens in decision-making.

Community development in this context goes beyond mere economic growth, focusing instead on social and collective benefits that include those who are typically marginalized. Unlike initiatives that center on individual gains, community-led development is advocated for its ability to drive decentralized democratic change and concentrate on local priorities by formulating solutions tailored to unique community needs. This strategy is particularly beneficial in environments with weaker governmental structures, necessitating active local participation to tackle the challenges and achieve sustainable progress.

However, communities often encounter significant obstacles when collaborating with national government entities and development agencies. These challenges arise because many projects lack the flexibility to allow local stakeholders to set their own priorities, necessitating a restructuring of approaches. Communities need to diligently document their needs and clearly outline their priorities, emphasizing the importance of identifying needs over proposing ready-made solutions. Agencies often favor formal procedures, which tend to skew interventions towards those well-versed in such processes, typically men or individuals occupying higher social strata. Consequently, program designers should adopt an attitude of learning and continuous improvement rather than defensiveness in the face of critique, to avoid errors that could undermine grassroots efforts.

Despite potential pitfalls like political manipulation, grassroots development offers a platform for meaningful community engagement. Local community groups, alongside local government, play an essential role in alleviating urban poverty by influencing land development, granting access to essential services, and regulating informal settlements. Collaboration between local governments and grassroots entities can dismantle clientelist political structures, enhance accountability, and foster innovative solutions to persistent challenges. These collaborative efforts can help establish alternative neighborhood-based voices, confronting social prejudices and discrimination, and promoting inclusivity, especially for women. Such an inclusive approach minimizes isolation and ensures better resource management and community development.

Ultimately, grassroots governance in Nigeria aims to bridge the gap between political leadership and grassroots constituencies, amplifying community voices. This integrative approach leads to improved access to state resources and the formulation of affordable housing policies, which collectively contribute to the well-being and upliftment of community members.

Fashina Shakiru, community journalist, political analyst and commentator writes from Lagos, Nigeria.