By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government and states, seeking the implementation of local government autonomy and direct funding as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demands the inclusion of local government councils in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Respondents in the case include the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Revenue Mobilization Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, and commercial banks, among others.
ALGON’s Secretary General, Mohammed Abubakar, stated the move aims to ensure direct disbursement of funds to local governments, as ordered by the Supreme Court in July 2024.
Despite the court ruling, autonomy remains unimplemented, with the CBN requiring councils to submit two years of audited financial reports before receiving direct allocations.
ALGON is now seeking court orders to prevent unauthorized disbursements and ensure local governments’ representation in FAAC and other fund allocation processes.