The Federal Government has established a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, aims to ensure local governments receive direct funding from the Federation Account, bypassing state governments.
The committee comprises representatives from various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation, and representatives of state governors and local governments.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on July 11 declared it unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for local government administrations, directing that local government allocations be paid directly to them.
The committee’s primary goal is to enforce this verdict, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to implement constitutional provisions recognizing local governments as the third tier of government.
