Why local governments have zero digital footprints despite N8.93trn FAAC allocation
Despite receiving an unprecedented N8.93 trillion in federal allocations from 2023 to 2025, Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs) remain largely invisible in the digital space, with only seven maintaining functional websites.
Data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show LGAs received N3.06 trillion in 2023, N3.77 trillion in 2024, and about N2.1 trillion in 2025 so far, driven by post-subsidy removal policies and naira depreciation.
This financial windfall, bolstered by a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting LGAs financial autonomy, has not translated into digital presence, raising questions about why these councils lag in adopting basic online platforms critical for transparency and governance.
The primary reason for this digital void is a pervasive culture of neglect and low prioritisation of technology.
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Jide Awe, innovation policy advisor, in an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, described LGAs as technologically dormant, noting that local leaders view ICT as a cost rather than an enabler of efficiency.
“It is archaic to treat ICT as an afterthought. Local leaders must understand that technology enhances transparency, productivity, and citizen engagement. Without digitalization, the dream of inclusive growth will remain elusive,” Awe stated.
He emphasised that maintaining a website costs a fraction of monthly allocations, yet LGAs fail to invest, reflecting weak institutional capacity and a preference for opacity over accountability.
Governance issues further compound the problem. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) labeled the absence of digital platforms a serious accountability gap that undermines democratic governance.
Most LGAs rely on state government websites or local news platforms, limiting public access to budgetary, procurement, and service delivery information.
The BudgIT Foundation, during a 2024 policy dialogue hosted by Agora Policy in Abuja, noted persistent governance challenges despite increased funding.
The Supreme Court’s ruling barred governors from appointing caretaker committees, yet unelected officials, often loyal to state governments, continue to run many LGAs, feeling little obligation to maintain transparency mechanisms like websites.
Infrastructure deficits and connectivity gaps also play a significant role. The Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) ranks Nigeria among the top 20 countries with the largest Internet access gaps, with 130 million people offline.
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates only 23 percent of rural dwellers have Internet access, compared to 57 percent in urban areas.
The government’s Project 774 LG Connectivity aims to bridge this gap, connecting 45 LGAs across eight states in Phase 1 via NigComSat-1R satellite technology, with Phase 2 targeting nine more states.
However, Awe cautioned that connectivity alone is insufficient without an “innovation mindset.” He urged LGAs to invest in training and digital literacy to leverage technology effectively.
Without such measures, the digital invisibility of LGAs, despite their N8.93 trillion allocation, will continue to perpetuate opacity, hinder citizen engagement, and undermine the promise of financial autonomy.
As Awe noted, embracing technology is not just a necessity but a cornerstone for inclusive and accountable grassroots governance.
