The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have urged President Bola Tinubu to compel state governors to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
The Supreme Court had on July 11, 2024, granted financial autonomy to local governments, directing that allocations be paid directly to them.
However, six months later, the ruling has yet to be implemented due to alleged interference by state governors.
ALGON Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, expressed concern over the delay, stating that local government chairmen remain under the influence of governors, hindering the autonomy process.
He called on the President to instruct the Accountant-General and Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the ruling.
NULGE President, Hakeem Ambali, echoed the demand, expressing confidence that Tinubu would fulfill his commitment to implementing direct allocations to local governments.
Responding, the President’s Special Assistant on Communications, Kamarudeen Ogundele, clarified that the Attorney-General had fulfilled his role by securing the court ruling, while the responsibility for enforcement now lies with the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General.
