A civic advocacy group, Grassroots Accountability and Development Initiative (GADI) has raised concerns over the state of security and infrastructure in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alleging that the council has little to show despite receiving billions of naira in allocations since 2023.
The group, in a statement made available to journalists, claimed that Orire Local Government, with an estimated population of over 200,000 residents, currently has only one police station serving the entire area.
According to the group, the development has left many communities vulnerable to criminal activities and insecurity, especially amid rising concerns over attacks on schools and rural settlements in parts of the country.
The group alleged that Orire Local Government had received over N13 billion in allocations since 2023, questioning why basic infrastructure and security facilities remain inadequate across the council area.
It further lamented that several primary and secondary schools within the local government allegedly lack perimeter fencing and other security structures, making them susceptible to attacks by criminal elements.
“People are worried because despite the huge allocations coming to local governments, there is little visible development on ground. Schools are not fenced, roads are in poor condition, healthcare centres are struggling, and there is only one police station serving the entire local government,” the statement read.
The advocacy group also criticised opposition to full local government autonomy, insisting that greater financial independence and accountability at the grassroots level would improve development and service delivery.
It noted that allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to local governments across Oyo State have significantly increased in recent years, yet many communities still lack basic amenities such as motorable roads, functional primary healthcare centres, streetlights, and improved public schools.
The group questioned how local government funds are being managed and called for greater transparency and public accountability in the utilisation of allocations meant for grassroots development.
It added that Nigerians must begin to pay closer attention to governance at the local government level, arguing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when councils effectively utilise public resources for the benefit of residents.
The group urged relevant anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders to intensify scrutiny of local government spending across the country.
According to the statement, meaningful change in Nigeria can happen rapidly if all 774 local government areas become more transparent, accountable, and development-driven.
