Local Government Autonomy: FG Establishes 10-Member Committee to Implement Supreme Court Ruling
In a landmark decision on local government autonomy, which has sent ripples through the political landscape in favor of local governments across the country.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria in its ruling has prompted a significant response from the federal government, which has now established a 10-member committee tasked with implementing the Supreme Court’s directives.
The creation of this committee marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for local governance and self-determination, and it underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and decentralization.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee inauguration was done by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, with the mandate of enforcing the Supreme Court judgement delivered on 11th July, 2024 granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria.
Background on Local Government Autonomy
The issue of local government autonomy has been a contentious topic for many years. Local governments have often found themselves constrained by federal and state regulations that limit their ability to make decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities. This has led to calls for reforms that would empower local authorities, allowing them to exercise greater control over their own affairs.
The recent Supreme Court ruling is a culmination of years of advocacy from various stakeholders, including local government officials, civil society organizations, and citizens who have long demanded greater accountability and responsiveness from their local leaders.
Composition of the Committee:
The newly formed committee is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, reflecting a wide range of perspectives on local governance. The committee members include:
1. 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
5. Accountant General of the Federation
6. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
7. Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance)
8. Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission
9. Representative of State Governors
10. Representative of Local Governments
The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.
This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.