The Federal Government has established a 10-member committee tasked with enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling of July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to Local Governments across Nigeria. This development was announced on Tuesday in Abuja by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
According to Imohiosen, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee, will serve as its chair. The formation of this committee underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s decision, ensuring that local governments operate independently without undue interference from state governments.
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Supreme Court Ruling on LG Autonomy:
The committee’s membership includes key government officials and stakeholders: the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; the Accountant General of the Federation; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission; a representative of state governors; and a representative of local governments.
“The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments,” Imohiosen stated.
This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to uphold the provisions of the Constitution, which recognize local governments as the third tier of government in Nigeria. The establishment of the committee marks a significant step toward empowering local governments, ensuring they have the financial independence needed to deliver essential services to their communities effectively.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered in July 2024, was seen as a landmark decision, aimed at reinforcing the autonomy of local governments across the country. The court had ruled that withholding funds meant for local governments by state governments was unconstitutional, and called for immediate compliance with the financial autonomy provisions.
The Federal Government’s swift action in setting up this committee highlights its determination to implement the court’s ruling and ensure that local governments across Nigeria are able to exercise their constitutional rights to financial autonomy. The committee is expected to develop a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, addressing potential challenges and ensuring smooth execution across all levels of government.
FG Moves to Grant Full Autonomy to Local Governments, Inaugurates Implementation Committee
This initiative is also in line with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen governance at the grassroots level, ensuring that local governments are better equipped to meet the needs of their constituents.
The committee will regularly report its progress to the Federal Government, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
Further details on the committee’s activities and plans will be made available in the coming weeks as it begins its work to secure financial autonomy for local governments nationwide.
