Niger Delta human rights activist, Comrade Marvelous Doboro, has raised the alarm over what he describes as widespread and deeply entrenched corruption plaguing Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Speaking to The Guardian in Asaba on Thursday, Doboro expressed grave concern over the mismanagement and embezzlement of council funds, which he said have crippled development efforts in rural communities across the country.

To change the narrative for the rural communities to be carried along in the scheme of things, the activist called on the National Assembly to urgently establish an Independent Overnight Bodies (IOBs) to ensure greater accountability and oversight in local governance.

“The people at the grassroots are suffering due to the negligence and corruption of local government officials,” Doboro said. “Funds meant for development are being diverted, leaving communities without clean water, healthcare, education, or even the most basic infrastructure.”

Doboro’s comments come at a time when public trust in local governance has reached a historic low. Across Nigeria, citizens have expressed growing frustration over the absence of essential services, despite regular budgetary allocations to councils.

He specifically called on the National Assembly to take decisive action, urging lawmakers to enact robust legislative reforms that would promote transparency and prioritise the basic needs of citizens.

“It is imperative that the National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, takes immediate steps to enact laws that will not only address these issues but also empower communities to hold their leaders accountable,” Doboro said.

According to the activist, establishing clear frameworks for oversight and citizen engagement would be a crucial step toward restoring faith in democratic institutions.

“The National Assembly has a critical role to play in reshaping the governance landscape in Nigeria. By implementing stringent measures against corruption and ensuring that local governments are held accountable, we can begin to restore faith in our institutions and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

Doboro also pointed out the importance of civic education and awareness campaigns to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to demand accountability from their local leaders.