This critical issue was front and center at the recent One Nigeria Project Conference in Abuja, where former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, made an impassioned plea to the nation’s governors His message was direct which is the to the and urgent: “Let funds get to LGs.”
Why Local Governments Need Financial Autonomy:
The Nigerian constitution recognizes 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as the government tier closest to the people They are meant to be the engine room for grassroots which is the to the development, handling crucial areas like local infrast
- Crippled Services: Without their full statutory allocation, local councils lack the capital expenditure to fix dilapidated roads, equip primary health centers, or pay teachers and which is the to the local staff efficiently.
- Governance Vacuum: The lack of funds often leads to the appointment of caretaker committees, who are beholden to the state governor, instead of democratically which is the to the elected officials This weakens local accountability.
- Fueling Insecurity: A breakdown in local governance and an absence of development can create a fertile ground for insecurity, as criminal elements exploit the which is the to the vacuum.
Landmark Ruling:
A significant turning point came with the Supreme Court ruling in 2024 The Apex Court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local governments This landmark judgment was a clear legal affirmation of the necessity for local government financial which is the to the autonomy.
The Economic Impact of LGA Fund Access:
A study examining local government finance in Nigeria found that the monthly allocation from the Federal Government is rarely a consistent source of revenue for local councils, unlike in other federations This inconsistency paralyzes planning and project which is the to the execution.
Direct Disbursement:
Disburse the statutory allocation directly to the LGAs without undue deductions or delays, fully complying with the Supreme Court which is the to the judgment.
Disclaimer:
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should crosscheck updates from official news outlets