(BREAKING) LG Autonomy: FG unveils 10-member C’ttee to enforce S’Court verdict

The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a 10-member committee tasked with enforcing the Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, which grants financial autonomy to local governments across the country.

The announcement was made by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), on Tuesday in Abuja. The committee, which has been inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, will be chaired by Akume himself.

This move represents a significant step towards ensuring that local governments in Nigeria have the financial independence needed to manage their affairs effectively, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the judgment and ensuring compliance by all relevant stakeholders.

The establishment of this committee underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that local governments are empowered to carry out their functions without undue interference.

Members are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice – Member; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Accountant General of the Federation; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Representative of State Governors; and, 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 Tinubu efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government”, the statement added.