PeakNews Online
Governors from the 36 states of Nigeria are meeting under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to deliberate on key national issues, including local government autonomy.
The meeting, chaired by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, comes in the wake of a significant Supreme Court ruling on local government funds.
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds meant for local government administrations. The ruling also prevents state governors from dissolving democratically elected local government councils, stating that such actions violate the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In the lead judgment, Justice Emmanuel Agim emphasized that state governments’ refusal to grant financial autonomy to local governments has persisted for over two decades. He noted that the 774 local government councils should independently manage their funds and that only democratically elected local government administrations, not caretaker committees, are entitled to these funds.
Key topics on the meeting’s agenda include an update on the United Nations General Assembly and discussions on state contributions and shareholder rights in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Presentations are expected from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the World Bank Country Office.
As of the time of this report, several governors have arrived at the meeting venue, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Other attendees include Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, among others.
