The Federal Government is taking a step forward today in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
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An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to enforce the verdict would begin a two-day meeting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Members of the panel will be discussing the modalities for the enforcement of the apex court verdict that mandates direct disbursements of funds to the 774 local government areas from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has as members Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F).
Others are: Central Bank of Nigeria (NGF) Governor Yemi Cardoso; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and representative of the local governments.
The AG-F has concluded plans for the disbursement of funds to democratically elected councils this week, a government source told Newsmen.
A member of the committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the panel’s focus is to finalise measures for achieving financial and administrative independence for the 774 councils, despite resistance by governors.
He said the committee is expected to evolve counter-actions against some governors seeking to undermine the autonomy by maintaining direct access to funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The source also disclosed that the panel would proceed with the assignment after receiving “guidelines and guidance” from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
He acknowledged the need for specific clarifications on how best to handle resistance by some state governments ahead of the commencement of direct payments to local governments this week.
“We are waiting for the pronouncement of the Attorney-General first. We will take a position before Wednesday,” the source said.
The two-day meeting is expected to evaluate the Committee’s progress and finalise operational frameworks for direct payments.
According to the source, the meetings aim to address the moves by some governors to coerce elected local government leaders into truncating the objectives of the autonomy.
“The meetings will address the actions of governors attempting to undermine the autonomy of democratically elected LGA chairmen, deputies, and councilors, ensuring they are not coerced into serving state interests,” he added.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some governors are maneuvering to maintain their hold on council funds by influencing Houses of Assembly to pass laws empowering state governments to have access and retain oversight on the FAAC allocations.
Shedding light on the challenges before the committee, he said: “There are a lot of discussions going on, but for now, honestly, we are waiting to see. While all the states have conducted local government elections, some governors are determined to maintain financial control over local government areas.”
In preparation for the Supreme Court judgment’s implementation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed its readiness to commence direct FAAC disbursements to councils.
A senior OAGF official disclosed that structures are already in place to ensure a seamless transition.
The official said: “It won’t be a challenge to carry out the approval from the minister to start making the disbursements to the LGAs. The structure has been on the ground.”
He pointed out that a dedicated department within the OAGF would oversees the processes, assuring that the transition will proceed smoothly.
“A whole department is in charge of it. So, it’s not going to be a challenge. I can confirm that,” he stressed.
The source hinted that Finance minister might consult with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon his return to the country this week to finalise strategies for dealing with governors.
“The minister of Finance might have discussions with President Bola Tinubu and others on how to address the issue of governors. But we are paying local government areas directly.
“We don’t want to presume anything. Everyone knows the judgment has been made, and we are waiting for the government to start implementing.”
The enforcement of direct FAAC allocations to local governments marks a significant shift in local government administration. It is aimed at curbing undue interference by governors.
Historically, funds meant for grassroots development were disbursed through joint accounts controlled by governors, often leading to delays and diversions.
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