The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s plan to enforce direct deductions of council funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, even as state governments continue to retain control over allocations to local governments.
During the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu urged state governors to comply with the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.
The President warned that failure by governors to honour the verdict may compel him to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations from the Federation Account to local councils.
Tinubu’s remarks followed the July 11, 2024, judgment by the Supreme Court, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.
In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the apex court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.
The judgment held that the use of a caretaker committee amounts to the state government taking control of the local government and is in violation of the 1999 Constitution.
However, 18 months after the judgment, show that the process remains largely unimplemented.
