The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of granting autonomy to the country’s 774 local governments, effectively ending the interference and control previously exerted by state governors over local government affairs. The landmark decision mandates that local government allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to the local governments, prohibiting state governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding these funds.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, highlighted that the denial of financial autonomy to local governments by state governments had persisted for over two decades. He noted that local governments had been deprived of their rightful funds, which were instead managed by state governors acting on their behalf.
Justice Agim emphasized that local governments should independently manage their finances, dismissing the preliminary objections raised by the state governors. He affirmed that the Accountant General of the Federation holds the authority to institute the suit, ensuring the protection of the constitution.
Additionally, the Supreme Court barred governors from dissolving democratically elected local government officials, declaring such actions a violation of the 1999 Constitution. This ruling marks a significant shift in the governance structure, aiming to empower local governments and enhance their operational autonomy.