In a landmark ruling on Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the direct allocation of monthly funds from the federation account to local governments, effectively ending the practice where state governments acted as intermediaries in fund disbursement.
The decision, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim on a seven-man panel, is hailed as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic federalism. The ruling solidifies the constitutional status of local government areas as the third tier of government, marking a significant step towards restructuring since the advent of civilian rule in 1999.
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed profound satisfaction with the court’s verdict, calling it a historic stride towards enhancing local governance. He emphasized that the ruling reinforces the principle that state governors lack the legal authority to dissolve democratically-elected local councils and replace them with caretaker committees.
“This decision by the Supreme Court is not only a validation of constitutional provisions but also a crucial clarification on a longstanding national issue,” Morka stated in an official release on Friday. “It will undoubtedly promote reforms aimed at ensuring greater effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in local government administration across the country.”
The APC further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to advancing democratic principles, particularly in empowering local councils as hubs for grassroots development and improved service delivery.
The ruling has sparked optimism among stakeholders who anticipate that it will pave the way for enhanced local government autonomy and more robust development initiatives at the grassroots level.
