Abstract
Background: This study assessed the implementation of the Grand Bargain localisation agenda in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere LGA, Borno State, Nigeria, fo-cusing on power, funding, and local leadership.
Methods: A mixed-methods case-study design used 100 questionnaires, 25 key informant interviews, eight focus group discussions involving 76 participants, and document review. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent thematic anal-ysis.
Results: Although 89% understood localisation, only 31% reported a formal localisation pol-icy. Local/national NGOs received 56.8% of funding through sub-grants and 23.4% through direct grants, compared with 84.2% direct funding for INGOs. Decision-making power was concentrated among UN agencies (36%) and government (34%), while only 4% identified local NGOs as most powerful. Major barriers were corruption (68%), accountability concerns (59%), insecurity (55%), limited capacity (52%), and restricted direct funding (49%).
Conclusion: Localisation has progressed unevenly, with greater gains in awareness and par-ticipation than in direct financing, strategic authority, and local leadership. Greater local control of resources, decision-making, risk, and leadership is required for meaningful locali-sation.