Decentralizing Power: Empowering Local Communities in Development Decision-Making in Nigeria

  • Moshood Olayinka Salahu Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
  • Abdullahi Alabi Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
  • Abayomi Olusegun Ogunsola Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujss.v11i4.2320

Abstract

This study critically examines decentralization and local community empowerment within Nigeria's governance framework through theoretical and documentary analysis. Drawing on Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation (1969) and Sen's Development as Freedom (1999), the research analyzes the gap between constitutional guarantees of local government autonomy and centralized power realities. Despite Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing local government existence, political, institutional, fiscal, and socio-cultural barriers impede genuine community empowerment. The 2024 Supreme Court judgment affirming local government financial autonomy represents a watershed moment, yet implementation challenges persist. This research contributes actionable recommendations for constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, and enhanced participatory mechanisms, arguing that meaningful decentralization is essential for sustainable development and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.


Keywords: Decentralization, local government autonomy, community empowerment, participatory governance, Nigeria

Published
2025-12-30
How to Cite
SALAHU, Moshood Olayinka; ALABI, Abdullahi; OGUNSOLA, Abayomi Olusegun. Decentralizing Power: Empowering Local Communities in Development Decision-Making in Nigeria. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, [S.l.], v. 11, n. 4, p. 85-92, dec. 2025. ISSN 3007-1690. Available at: <https://www.kampalajournals.ac.ug/ojs/index.php/niujoss/article/view/2320>. Date accessed: 04 apr. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujss.v11i4.2320.
Citation Formats
Issue
Vol 11 No 4 (2025): NIU Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 11 No. 4, December 2025
Section
Articles

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