LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)), Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, has raised fresh concerns over the continued non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, nearly two years after the landmark ruling.

Kankara made the remarks during the International Workers’ Day celebrations held last weekend, stressing that despite the July 2024 Supreme Court decision affirming that local governments should receive allocations directly from the Federation Account, there has been no effective implementation framework from the Federal Government.

The NULGE president said the situation remains unchanged, noting that the ruling clearly established local government financial autonomy, but the administrative structures required to implement it have not been activated. He expressed frustration over what he described as continued inaction, insisting that the judgment remains largely unfulfilled on the ground despite being the law of the land. The Supreme Court ruling had directed that allocations should no longer pass through state joint accounts but instead be paid directly to local government councils to strengthen grassroots governance and accountability.

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Kankara specifically faulted the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for failing to issue operational guidelines needed to implement the judgment. He said repeated engagements with both institutions have produced no tangible results, alleging that officials have repeatedly relied on excuses rather than taking action to enforce compliance. According to him, claims that local governments have failed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are misleading, insisting that no official directive or circular has been issued to that effect. He stressed that such a circular is necessary for councils to open accounts and begin receiving funds directly, as required by the Supreme Court ruling.

Kankara called on relevant federal authorities to urgently issue clear circulars and guidelines to both local governments and the CBN to enable full implementation of the judgment. He emphasized that the process is straightforward and only requires political will and administrative coordination to activate direct allocation payments to local councils.

Despite delays, the NULGE president said the union remains committed to sustained advocacy for local government autonomy, warning that patience may not be indefinite. He hinted at possible industrial action if the situation persists, noting that the union’s “struggle continues” stance reflects its readiness to escalate pressure through appropriate labour channels. Kankara also confirmed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)) is supporting the push for full implementation of local government autonomy, describing the backing as strong and consistent.

He further explained that NULGE itself cannot return to court to enforce compliance, noting that only the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has the legal standing to initiate further judicial action. According to him, consultations are ongoing with ALGON to ensure coordinated action on the matter.

Kankara also dismissed claims that local governments are already receiving direct allocations nationwide, describing such reports as inaccurate. He maintained that most states are still operating under the existing framework, with only isolated exceptions being reported.

LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

The first batch of pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations from the state and the debut of international flights at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.

The pilgrims, numbering 345, departed Nigeria on Sunday night aboard a direct flight from the newly inaugurated airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, in the early hours of Monday.

Officials disclosed that the contingent comprised both male and female pilgrims, alongside members of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who are overseeing their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Saudi authorities and subsequently transported to Medina, where they are expected to commence their spiritual activities ahead of the main Hajj rites in Makkah.

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The development represents a significant milestone for Ogun State, as the Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight since its commissioning in April 2026. The airport’s utilisation as a Hajj departure centre followed its approval by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), positioning it as a key hub for pilgrimage operations in the South-West region.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the successful airlift as a landmark achievement for the state’s aviation and infrastructure development, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and improving connectivity.

He added that the direct international operation would not only ease the burden on traditional departure centres such as Lagos and Abuja but also stimulate local economic growth through increased aviation activities.

The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board assured that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure the comfort, safety and proper coordination of all pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 Hajj airlift exercise is being coordinated nationwide by NAHCON, with several states participating in the phased transportation of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The successful take-off from Gateway International Airport is widely seen as a step forward in decentralising Hajj operations in Nigeria while enhancing regional access to international travel.

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

Atiku Heads to US to Highlight Nigeria’s Security, Economic Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to travel to the United States to draw international attention to what he describes as Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, deepening economic hardship, and broader governance crisis.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the visit will involve engagements with policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders in the U.S. aimed at discussing Nigeria’s democratic and economic situation.

Atiku described Nigeria’s security situation as a “full-blown internal crisis,” warning that insecurity has spread across multiple regions of the country. He cited violence in the North-West and North-East, continued killings in the Middle Belt, and rising cases of kidnapping and criminal activity nationwide, saying the situation now reflects systemic failure rather than isolated incidents.

He added that communities are being overrun, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens left increasingly vulnerable, arguing that the government is struggling to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

On the economy, the former vice president raised concerns over worsening inflation, currency depreciation, and declining purchasing power, which he said are placing severe pressure on households across the country. He attributed the situation to inconsistent policy direction and lack of a clear economic strategy, warning that the hardship could deepen without urgent intervention.

Atiku also expressed concern about Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that declining trust in governance, accountability, and electoral processes could threaten national stability. He stressed the importance of transparency as the country approaches another election cycle, cautioning that any attempt to undermine electoral integrity would have consequences for unity and legitimacy.

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Responding to criticism of his planned engagement in the United States, Atiku rejected claims that his actions amount to inviting foreign interference. He insisted that engaging international partners on Nigeria’s challenges is legitimate, noting that the country’s situation has global implications due to its strategic importance.

He maintained that while Nigerians alone will decide their leadership, the international community also has a legitimate interest in Nigeria’s stability and democratic development, adding that “telling the truth about Nigeria is not unpatriotic.”

Atiku further urged the current administration to urgently reset its priorities, strengthen security structures, and implement clear economic reforms aimed at restoring public trust.

He also called on citizens to remain engaged and hold leaders accountable, stressing that sustainable national progress must be driven by responsible governance and internal commitment to reform.

The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader opposition coalition.

However, the party is currently facing internal leadership tensions and factional disputes, reflecting ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Atiku Heads to US to Highlight Nigeria’s Security, Economic Crisis