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

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.

READ ALSO:

• NCC Orders Airtel, MTN to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
• Coup Plot Trial: Video Shows Defendants Admit Plan Against Tinubu
• Rivers 2027: Wike’s Endorsement of George Kelly Sparks Political Tension

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