By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on financial autonomy for local government areas (LGAs).
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to enforce the court’s judgement.
The committee’s establishment follows the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling, which ordered the federal government to pay allocations directly to local government councils.
This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to implement the Constitution’s provisions, recognising local governments as the third tier of government.
The committee comprises representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Its primary goal is to ensure local governments receive full autonomy, enabling them to function effectively without state government interference.
The SGF’s office stated, “This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.”