PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – In a landmark decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds meant for the administration of local governments. Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the verdict, emphasized that the denial of financial autonomy to local governments has persisted for over two decades. He asserted that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria should independently manage their funds.
The case, brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, sought an order preventing governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected local councils.
Justice Agim affirmed the AGF’s right to file the suit, highlighting the responsibility to uphold and protect the constitution. The judgment directed that payments of local government allocations from the Federation Account should be managed by the councils themselves.
The ruling marks a significant step towards financial autonomy and improved governance at the local level in Nigeria.
