Lanre Idris Mustapha
The Senate has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling that grants financial independence to Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, LGAs.
It also condemned efforts by some governors to pass laws forcing LGAs to deposit their federal allocations into joint state accounts.
The Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the Local Government Administration Bill 2024, which has faced criticism from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers.
They accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo of trying to force local councils to return their federal funds to the state.
During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers urged all levels of government to comply with the Supreme Court ruling and agreed to work with the House of Representatives to amend the 1999 Constitution to ensure full local government autonomy.
The motion was sponsored by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, with support from Senators Abdul Ningi and Tahir Monguno.
Barau stressed that the Senate will work on constitutional changes to guarantee local government financial independence.
However, debates emerged over how to enforce the Supreme Court ruling at the state level, with some senators seeking a clear legal path for its implementation.
In Anambra, Labour Party lawmakers opposed the Local Government Administration Bill, saying it conflicts with the Supreme Court’s decision by requiring LGAs to pay a portion of their federal funds to the state.
Civil rights groups have similarly criticized the bill, calling it harmful to local governance.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde is awaiting recommendations from committees reviewing the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.
The state is working to address challenges from the judgment while waiting for a federal plan to guide the process.
