The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees have expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s plan to enforce direct allocation of local government funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
The backing comes amid concerns that state governments are yet to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
President Tinubu had, during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, urged state governors to obey the court ruling on local government autonomy.
He warned that failure to comply could force him to issue an Executive Order to ensure that allocations meant for local councils are paid directly from the Federation Account.
The President’s position followed the July 11, 2024 judgment of the Supreme Court, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.
Despite the ruling, concerns have persisted that local government funds are still being routed through state-controlled structures, limiting their impact on grassroots development.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, the Secretary General of ALGON, Muhammed Abubakar, said the association fully supports the President’s stance on the matter.
Abubakar said the warning was issued directly to the governors and clearly anchored on the Supreme Court judgment, which he described as the highest legal authority in the country.
He expressed confidence that governors would comply without further pressure, noting that the President’s message was clear and unambiguous.
According to him, ALGON would support the President to take further action should governors fail to implement the judgment.
Also reacting, the Bauchi State chapter of NULGE commended Tinubu’s proposed executive order aimed at preventing state governments from diverting local government funds.
The President of NULGE in the state, Muhammad Yunusa, described the move as a welcome development that would ease the challenges faced by local government workers.
Yunusa said the issue of financial autonomy for local governments had persisted for many years despite several legal interventions, including the Supreme Court judgment delivered last year.
He added that full implementation of direct allocation would strengthen grassroots governance, improve accountability and enhance the welfare of local government workers.
According to him, ensuring that funds meant for councils are paid directly would guarantee that such resources are used strictly for development at the grassroots level.
