November 05, 2024
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Federal Government has taken another bold step towards empowering LG by inaugurating a 10-man inter-ministerial committee.
This move follows the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on July 11, 2024, granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, comprises:
- Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy
- Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice
- Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning
- Accountant General of the Federation
- Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
- Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance)
- Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission
- Representative of State Governors
- Representative of Local Governments
The committee’s primary goal is to ensure local governments function effectively without interference from state governments, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to implement constitutional provisions recognizing local governments as the third tier of government.
This development is expected to bridge any interference in the apex court verdict and solidify the existence of local government authorities.
However, granting full autonomy would allow local governments to manage their funds independently, fostering good governance and development at the grassroots level.
