This project seeks to close the governance gap revealed by the Supreme Court’s 2024 fiscal autonomy ruling for local governments by establishing institutionalized accountability systems in LGAs. Through the co-creation and piloting of a Local Government Accountability Framework in Enugu State, it aims to strengthen transparency, citizen participation, and performance tracking. Anchored on the Situation Room’s Sub-national Institution Reform priority, the initiative will promote democratic oversight and grassroots engagement. It introduces an LGA Accountability Index (LAI) and Accountability Committees (LACs) in three pilot LGAs to drive local ownership, develop improvement plans, and sustain civic engagement. The project will produce a validated framework, performance scorecards, a digital dashboard, and a replication toolkit positioning Enugu State as a model for inclusive, transparent local governance in Nigeria.
Institutionalize the Local Government Accountability Framework (LAF):
Co-create and formally adopt the LAF through a participatory, policy-driven process that embeds the Local Government Accountability Index (LAI) within state oversight systems.
Strengthen Local Capacity and Inclusive Oversight:
Build the capacity of LGA officials, Accountability Committees (LACs), civil society, and community members to apply the LAI, analyze results, and develop evidence-based improvement plans.
Develop a Scalable Model:
Produce a comprehensive, replicable package—including the LAF, LAI tool, digital dashboard, and toolkit—for adoption and scale-up across other LGAs and states.
Governance reform requires structure and measurement. The Local Government Accountability Index (LAI) Framework, is SSDO’s structured approach to institutionalising subnational governance reform across Enugu State.
