The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is set to host a crucial discussion on local government financial autonomy, aiming to ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment granted on July 11, 2024.¹ This judgment gave full financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria, as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution.
The Supreme Court’s seven-member panel unanimously ruled that it’s illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive or retain funds allocated to local governments. However, the NBA noted that there are still barriers to implementing this ruling, which the upcoming discourse aims to address.
The event, rescheduled to February 19, 2025, will bring together key stakeholders, including:
– State Governors: To discuss their role in implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment
– Association of Local Governments of Nigeria: To provide insight into the challenges faced by local governments
– Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees: To represent the interests of local government employees
– Civil Society Organisations: To ensure transparency and accountability
– The General Public: To provide an opportunity for citizens to engage with the discussion
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and ensuring compliance with judicial decisions in Nigeria. The association believes that this discourse will provide a platform to identify challenges and chart a path towards a more accountable and efficient local government system.
