Workers, senior lawyers, and civil society organizations (CSOs) have criticized the federal and state governments for failing to implement the Supreme Court ruling that grants financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria,leadership reports.
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that funds allocated to local councils from the federation account must be paid directly to their accounts. This judgment followed a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 states. However, five months after the landmark decision, its implementation remains uncertain.
Earlier reports suggested an October 2024 deadline for implementation, with the federal government threatening to withhold funds from states without elected local government leaders. However, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), refuted these claims. The uncertainty prompted some governors to hastily organize questionable local government elections.
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In an interview, Mr. Kehinde Eleja (SAN) emphasized that further delays in implementing the judgment would harm governance at the local level and undermine national progress. Speaking from Ilorin, Kwara State, Eleja noted, “The Supreme Court acted promptly, appreciating the constitutional importance of the case. The government has had sufficient time—five months—to act. Any further delay is a disservice to the nation.”
In Zamfara State, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and legal experts expressed frustration over the delay. NULGE Chairman Ahmed Isah accused governors of deliberate inaction driven by selfish interests. Similarly, lawyer Bello Galadi criticized the governors for failing to comply with the court’s decision, which affirms financial independence for the 774 local governments.
Bauchi-based legal expert Safiyanu Idris blamed both federal and state governments, citing joint accounts as tools for misappropriating local government funds. He called for punitive measures against states that fail to comply and advocated for the abolition of state electoral commissions, which he said governors manipulate to impose loyalists as local government leaders.
Kaduna-based lawyer Hiifan Abuul echoed calls to scrap joint accounts but expressed skepticism about the financial management skills of local government chairmen, who are often appointed rather than elected.
In Kebbi, NULGE Chairman Abubakar Umar said the union awaited the state assembly’s resolution on the matter. Similarly, the Gombe State Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET) attributed delays to godfatherism in Nigerian politics. Ibrahim Yusuf of GONET described local elections as mere appointments, with governors installing political allies.
Legal experts and activists, including Abuja-based lawyer Francis Adejoh, condemned the federal government’s failure to enforce the judgment. Adejoh called the delay “disappointing and embarrassing,” while former investigation panel chair Okoi Obono-Obla described it as unconstitutional and a violation of the rule of law.
In Plateau State, NULGE Chairman Yohana Macquine welcomed the judgment and urged full compliance. Cross River State Civil Society Network Chairman Ben Usang warned that ignoring the ruling could undermine trust in the judiciary and democracy.
Meanwhile, Jigawa State was highlighted as an exception, with its local governments enjoying financial autonomy even before the ruling. NULGE Chairman Comrade Abubakar Garba Shittu stated that local councils in the state receive their allocations and comply with statutory deductions.
In Osun State, stakeholders expressed mixed reactions, supporting a cautious approach to implementation to avoid financial strain on workers amid economic challenges. Kunle Adeniyi, a local government staff member, voiced concerns about salary disruptions, while legal expert Bola Hammed stressed the need for due process in electing local government officials.
The delay in enforcing the Supreme Court ruling continues to draw widespread criticism, with many calling for immediate action to uphold the rule of law and improve governance at the grassroots level.
