The Nigerian Masses Alliance for Local Government Autonomy (NALGA), a Civil Society Organisation, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Supreme Court for their roles in affirming local governments' right to receive direct monthly allocations from the federation account.
In a statement jointly signed by NALGA’s National President, Com. Olaniyan Adewale, and its National General Secretary, Com. Sodiq Sonibare, the group described the Supreme Court judgment as a significant milestone that will bring transformative change to local governance in Nigeria.
The group praised President Tinubu's dedication to grassroots governance, stating, "President Tinubu’s decision to change the narrative of local governments demonstrates doggedness, absolute resolve, sincere commitment, and an uncommon passion for grassroots governance as a panacea for the overall development of the nation and every Nigerian state."
NALGA emphasized that the judgment would ensure total administrative and financial independence for local governments, freeing them from the long-standing control of state governors. "This development is transformational and heralds a drastic and radical change that will redirect the fortunes of local governments and the grassroots masses," the statement read.
READ ALSO
Supreme Court Rules FG Must Pay Funds Directly to Local Governments
Tinubu Backs More Frequent Minimum Wage, Two to Three Years instead of Five-year Interval
The group expressed its delight in the judgment, viewing it as a culmination of their years-long struggle for local government autonomy. They highlighted the significance of this victory for grassroots democracy and development, affirming their belief that local governments, as the closest arm of government to the people, are best positioned to meet the individual needs of small communities.
The statement also recognized President Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda" and its positive impact on democracy and grassroots development. "This is a significant victory for the grassroots masses of Nigeria and affirms Mr. President’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for Nigeria and Nigerians," NALGA stated.
Reflecting on past efforts, the group recalled that their struggle for local government autonomy nearly succeeded in 2022 when then-President Mohammadu Buhari issued Administrative Order 10, granting financial autonomy to local governments. However, this was overturned by the Supreme Court following a lawsuit filed by state governors.
The recent Supreme Court judgment, according to NALGA, marks a historic shift and ensures the preservation of true democracy in Nigeria. The group called on the National Assembly to amend the constitution to prevent any future circumvention of local government autonomy by state governors.
"Today, the dynamics have changed and history has been made as a finality to decades of abuse, emasculation, and bastardization of the ‘Third-tier’ of Government of the Nigerian Federation. True democracy is here to stay, courtesy of the ‘True Nigerian democrat’, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," the statement concluded.
NALGA reiterated its commitment to grassroots development, emphasizing that this judgment guarantees service delivery, grassroots security, and self-discovery for the common man. The group urged continued vigilance and legislative action to ensure the full realization of local government autonomy in Nigeria.
