The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that state governors comply with the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.
Despite the court’s verdict ordering direct payment of allocations to local governments, the implementation of this autonomy has faced significant delays, allegedly due to interference by state governors.
ALGON’s Concerns Over Delayed Implementation
ALGON Secretary-General Mohammed Abubakar expressed concerns about the stalled process, highlighting that local government chairmen remain under the influence of governors.
“Our reports suggest that while arrangements for direct allocation payments exist, local government chairmen, under governors’ control, are unable to assert their autonomy,” Abubakar said.
He urged the president to exercise decisive leadership by directing the Accountant-General and Attorney-General of the Federation to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“The law is clear, and the Supreme Court judgment is binding. The political will to enforce it is what’s missing,” he added.
NULGE President’s Optimism
NULGE President Hakeem Ambali echoed these concerns but expressed optimism about the eventual enforcement of direct allocations to local governments.
“We were informed that local governments would start receiving direct allocations by December 2024. Now in January 2025, we remain hopeful that President Tinubu will ensure this policy is implemented,” Ambali said.
He emphasized the President’s constitutional authority to enforce local government autonomy and expressed confidence in his commitment to the cause.
Presidential Adviser’s Clarifications
Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communications, clarified the division of responsibilities regarding the ruling’s implementation.
“The Attorney General’s role was to pursue the case in court, which he has done successfully. It is now the responsibility of the Finance Minister and the Accountant General of the Federation to ensure direct payment of allocations to local governments,” Ogundele stated.
Next Steps
With local governments yet to achieve full autonomy six months after the Supreme Court’s decision, stakeholders are urging President Tinubu to act decisively to break the deadlock and uphold the rule of law.
Both ALGON and NULGE believe that financial autonomy will empower local governments to deliver better services and foster grassroots development, provided the ruling is effectively enforced.
