NULGE, ALGON Urge Tinubu to Enforce Local Government Autonomy

President Bola Tinubu

The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have again called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that state governors comply with the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that funds meant for local governments should be paid directly to them. However, six months later, this directive has not been fully implemented, as some governors are allegedly blocking the process.

ALGON Secretary-General Mohammed Abubakar told Saturday PUNCH that the delay in enforcing autonomy is worrisome. He explained that although arrangements have been made for direct payment of funds to local governments, many challenges remain.

“The governors still interfere with the process, and local government chairmen are often under their control, making it hard for them to assert autonomy,” Abubakar said.

He urged the president to take decisive action by directing the Accountant-General and Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure the autonomy is fully implemented.

“The Supreme Court judgment is binding, but without political will, the governors will continue to hold power over local governments,” he added.

NULGE President Hakeem Ambali also called on the president to enforce the policy, expressing hope that local governments will soon receive direct allocations.

“We were told this would happen by December. Now it’s January, and we are optimistic that the president will follow through with his commitment to local government autonomy,” Ambali said.

Presidential aide Kamarudeen Ogundele explained that the Attorney-General had fulfilled his role by taking the matter to the Supreme Court. He said it is now the responsibility of the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General of the Federation to implement the judgment by ensuring local governments receive funds directly.

“It’s up to the Finance Minister and Accountant-General to ensure the payment process is executed,” Ogundele said.