The Federal Government has commenced efforts to enforce the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, with a two-day meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee in Abuja aimed at finalizing strategies for the direct disbursement of funds to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Chaired by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the committee includes key officials such as the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, among others.
The Supreme Court’s decision mandates that funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) be sent directly to local governments, bypassing state governors. However, some governors are reportedly resisting the move, seeking to maintain financial oversight through legislative maneuvers at the state level.
A government insider revealed that the committee is working to counteract such resistance, emphasizing the importance of financial and administrative independence for democratically elected local councils.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F) has confirmed readiness to commence direct disbursements this week, with operational structures already in place.
"This marks a historic shift in grassroots governance. We are fully prepared to implement the judgment and ensure local governments receive funds directly for development purposes," a senior AG-F official stated.
The committee will finalize its operational framework during the ongoing meetings and address any attempts by state governments to undermine local government autonomy. Finance Minister Wale Edun may also consult with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss strategies for addressing governors’ interference.
This development is expected to curtail delays and diversions historically associated with joint accounts controlled by state governments, signaling a new era of accountability and grassroots empowerment.
