FG Inaugurates 10-Man Inter-Ministerial Committee to Enforce Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria
In a significant move to reinforce the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-man Inter-Ministerial Committee to implement the Supreme Court's ruling granting financial independence to local governments. The ruling, delivered on July 11th, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to decentralize power and enhance governance at the grassroots level.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, spearheaded the inauguration of this committee, which includes key figures from various ministries and government agencies. The committee is tasked with ensuring that local governments operate independently and are no longer subjected to undue interference from state governments, thereby enabling them to fulfill their roles as the third tier of government in Nigeria.
Composition of the Committee
The committee is composed of the following members:
1. Senator George Akume, CON - Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Chairman)
2. Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy (Member)
3. Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice (Member)
4. Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning (Member)
5. Accountant General of the Federation (Member)
6. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (Member)
7. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance (Member)
8. Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission (Member)
9. Representative of State Governors (Member)
10. Representative of Local Governments (Member)
Mandate of the Committee
The primary objective of this committee is to ensure the enforcement of financial autonomy for local governments as stipulated by the Supreme Court ruling. This autonomy is expected to empower local governments to manage their finances, improve service delivery, and contribute more effectively to national development. The committee will oversee the implementation of policies that ensure local governments receive funds directly from the Federation Account, bypassing state governments, which have historically exerted significant control over local government finances.
Presidential Commitment to Constitutional Provisions
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR's commitment to upholding the Constitution, which acknowledges local governments as a critical component of Nigeria's federal structure. By granting full financial autonomy to local governments, the Federal Government aims to strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level, promoting transparency, accountability, and effective public service delivery.
The inauguration of this committee is a testament to the administration's determination to uphold the rule of law and enhance the functionality of local governments across Nigeria. As the committee begins its work, there is hope that this will mark the beginning of a new era of empowered and autonomous local governments, capable of driving sustainable development in their respective regions.
Segun Imohiosen
Director, Information & Public Relations