The National Union of Local Government Employees has expressed frustration over the six-month delay in enforcing the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling mandating direct financial disbursement to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Despite the court’s directive declaring state governors’ control of local government funds unconstitutional, the practice persists.
According to The PUNCH, NULGE National President, Hakeem Ambali, called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure swift implementation of the ruling. Ambali said the delay undermines the independence of local governments and urged the presidency to act decisively.
“The court’s judgment is clear and should have been implemented since October,” Ambali stated. “We are disheartened that six months later, we are still grappling with this issue. During the Yuletide, we received assurances that direct allocations would begin in January. We hope this becomes a reality by the end of the month.”
Ambali pointed to President Tinubu’s reiterated commitment to the directive during a recent visit by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, adding, “This delay must end. Local governments must receive their funds directly without intermediaries—this is the essence of financial autonomy.”
Ambali also criticized governors who have passed laws conflicting with the Supreme Court’s judgment, naming Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra State and Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State as examples. He dismissed their actions as illegal and contrary to the rule of law.
“Some governors, including Soludo and Otti, enacted laws that contradict the Supreme Court’s ruling. Such laws are null and void. The Attorney General has clarified their illegality, and they cannot stand in the face of the law,” he said.
To ensure accountability in fund disbursement, Ambali highlighted key recommendations submitted by a technical committee to the presidency. These include monthly publication of LGA allocations in national newspapers and the creation of a monitoring committee to oversee disbursements.
“The Federation Account Allocation Committee should publish allocation details monthly to ensure transparency,” Ambali said. “We also propose capacity-building conferences for councilors and emphasize the role of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in monitoring local government finances.”
He stressed that direct allocation would transform the financial management of local governments, ending the era of state governors controlling funds.
“It’s one thing for someone to take your funds and give you a fraction; it’s another to manage your resources directly. This autonomy will empower local governments to function effectively,” Ambali asserted.
Ambali warned governors against attempts to undermine local government autonomy and emphasized that LGA officials would be held accountable for any misuse of funds.
“Unlike governors, local government chairmen and officials do not have immunity. Anyone found violating the law will face the consequences,” he said.
