In a landmark decision poised to reshape Nigeria’s governance landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded a Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutional rights of local governments. This ruling directly addresses the long-standing issue of financial autonomy that has crippled local development for over four decades.
Historically, state governors have controlled the funds allocated to local governments from the federal pool, significantly hindering grassroots development. This central control has left many communities without essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and healthcare facilities. The Supreme Court’s judgment now mandates that local governments receive their funding directly from the Federation Account, bypassing state interference.
President Tinubu has highlighted this ruling as a critical step toward fulfilling his administration’s commitment to enhancing local governance. During his campaign, Tinubu promised to recalibrate the federation revenue allocation system to empower states and local governments more effectively. This initiative is central to his Renewed Hope campaign manifesto, which advocates for a more equitable distribution of resources among the three tiers of government, thereby enhancing governance and socio-economic development at the grassroots level.
“This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,”
President bola ahmed tinubu
The implications of this judgment are far-reaching. With financial autonomy, local governments can independently plan and execute development projects tailored to their communities’ specific needs. This autonomy is especially crucial for sectors like agriculture, which depend heavily on local government support for value chain development and economic contributions. Improved local governance will likely accelerate the provision of essential services and infrastructure, significantly raising the living standards for residents.
This judicial decision aligns with ongoing legislative efforts by the 10th National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution. These amendments aim to solidify the financial and operational independence of local governments, ensuring that they are not merely autonomous on paper but also in practice. This legislative support will help dismantle the stranglehold that state governors have had on local government funds, fostering a more transparent and accountable system of governance.
President Tinubu’s administration is committed to implementing this Supreme Court ruling effectively. This move is anticipated to foster a new era of grassroots empowerment and development, breaking the cycle of political and financial control exerted by state governors over local governments. The judgment marks a significant victory for local governance in Nigeria, setting the stage for more equitable resource distribution and enhanced socio-economic development across the nation.
The Supreme Court’s decision is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward effective local governance. President Tinubu’s support for this ruling underscores his dedication to improving governance and delivering on his campaign promises, paving the way for substantial improvements in the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots level.
