In a significant move to strengthen governance at the grassroots level, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-man Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with enforcing the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. The judgment, delivered on July 11, 2024, underscores the constitutional recognition of local governments as the third tier of government, paving the way for them to operate independently of state interference.
The inauguration ceremony, presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, marks a crucial step toward realizing the long-standing aspiration for local government autonomy. During the event, Senator Akume emphasized that the formation of the committee aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that all levels of government function according to the Constitution’s provisions.
The committee is chaired by the SGF and comprises top government officials and key stakeholders, including:
1. Secretary to the Government of the Federation – Chairman
2. Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Member
3. Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice – Member
4. Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning – Member
5. Accountant General of the Federation – Member
6. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria – Member
7. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance – Member
8. Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission – Member
9. Representative of State Governors – Member
10. Representative of Local Governments – Member
The committee’s primary mandate is to ensure the seamless implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which grants local governments the financial independence required to manage their own resources and administer essential services. The autonomy, when fully enforced, is expected to enhance service delivery at the grassroots, promote good governance, and boost development across communities in Nigeria.
This strategic initiative is also a reflection of President Tinubu’s determination to uphold democratic principles by empowering local governments, allowing them to function as truly autonomous entities, as envisaged by the Nigerian Constitution.
The committee has been given the responsibility of developing actionable frameworks and timelines to ensure that the provisions of the Supreme Court judgment are implemented without delay. The FG’s determination to push through with this enforcement signals a new dawn for local governance in Nigeria, setting the stage for improved service delivery and socio-economic growth at the grassroots level.
