The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have urged President Bola Tinubu to compel state governors to adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court granted financial independence to local governments, mandating that their allocations be directly disbursed to them.

Despite this ruling, six months have passed without implementation, as state governors are reportedly obstructing the process.

ALGON Secretary-General Mohammed Abubakar voiced concerns over the delay in implementing local government autonomy.

Abubakar expressed frustration, stating that governors’ interference continues to complicate the autonomy process.

He remarked, “The situation has grown more complex. Although steps have been taken to arrange direct payments of allocations to local governments, significant obstacles remain. Many local government chairmen, who should champion these changes, are under the influence of governors and unable to assert their independence.”

Abubakar emphasized that achieving financial autonomy for local governments depends on decisive action from the President. He called on the Accountant-General and Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

“The law is unambiguous, and the Supreme Court judgment is binding. What is lacking is the political will to enforce it. Without this, governors will continue to wield control over local governments,” he added.

He further urged the Accountant-General and Attorney-General to collaborate in implementing the judgment, stating, “It’s critical for these officials to work together to make financial autonomy a reality.”

Similarly, NULGE President Hakeem Ambali reiterated that the President holds the constitutional authority to enforce local government autonomy.

Ambali expressed optimism that the policy of direct allocation to local governments would soon be implemented.

“We were informed that direct allocations to local governments would commence in December. Now that it’s January, we remain hopeful that the President will fulfill his promise. His commitment so far is encouraging, and we trust he will deliver,” Ambali stated.

Responding to inquiries, the Special Assistant to the President on Communications, Kamarudeen Ogundele, clarified the division of responsibilities regarding the matter.

Ogundele explained that the Attorney-General’s role was limited to pursuing the case in court, which had been successfully achieved.

He noted that the responsibility for implementing financial autonomy rests with the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation, who must ensure that local governments receive direct payments.

“The Attorney-General’s duty was to secure a favorable court ruling, which has been accomplished. It is now up to the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General to ensure allocations are paid directly to local governments,” Ogundele stated.

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