FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee to enforce Supreme Court ruling on local govt financial autonomy

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling delivered on July 11, 2024, which grants financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria.

The landmark decision marks a significant step towards empowering local governments to operate independently, free from state government interference, and to effectively serve their constituencies.

The committee, chaired by Senator Akume, is composed of high-ranking government officials who will work together to ensure that the Supreme Court’s judgment is implemented in full.

The members of the committee include:

Secretary to the Government of the Federation – Chairman

Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Member

Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice – Member

Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning – Member

Accountant General of the Federation – Member

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria – Member

Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance) – Member

Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission – Member

Representative of State Governors – Member

Representative of Local Governments – Member

The primary mandate of the committee is to ensure that local governments are granted full financial autonomy as stipulated by the Supreme Court ruling.

The autonomy will enable local governments to function more effectively, managing their finances independently and making decisions that directly impact the communities they serve.

During the inauguration ceremony, Senator Akume emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s commitment to upholding the Constitution and strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure.

His words: “The formation of this committee is a testament to our administration’s dedication to ensuring that the provisions of our Constitution are fully implemented.

“The financial autonomy of local governments is not just a legal matter; it is essential for the grassroots development of our country. By granting local governments the ability to manage their finances independently, we are empowering them to deliver better services to the people.”

The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who is a member of the committee, expressed confidence that the committee’s work would lead to more transparent and accountable financial practices at the local government level.

“This autonomy will foster greater accountability and ensure that funds allocated to local governments are used directly for the benefit of the communities,” Edun stated.

On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN highlighted the legal significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting that it sets a precedent for upholding the financial independence of local governments.

“The autonomy granted by the Supreme Court is a reflection of our commitment to justice and the rule of law. We now must ensure that this judgment is not just a theoretical victory but a practical reality for local governments across Nigeria,” he said.

In addition to the legal and economic aspects, the committee’s work is expected to address concerns related to the equitable distribution of resources.

As the committee begins its work, it will focus on developing strategies and frameworks for the smooth transition of financial control to local governments.