In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court mandated the Federal Government to transfer funds directly to local council area accounts, a decision hailed as a step towards financial autonomy for local governments. The court also deemed the practice of state governors withholding local government funds as unconstitutional.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, however, has criticized this verdict, describing it as a distraction from the more pressing issues facing Nigeria, particularly the high cost of food and widespread hunger.
Governor Makinde emphasized the need to focus on combating hunger in the country. “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have,” Makinde stated on Friday while addressing the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its National President Chris Isiguzo, who had conferred on him the title of Grand Patron of the NUJ.
Makinde stressed that Nigeria’s primary issue is not the distribution of funds, but the lack of productivity. “Whatever it is that we are sharing in Abuja, which is what this FACC is all about, Whatever is in Abuja, share it with the local government. Is that our problem? Maybe it is a part of the problem, but yes, we want to have value for what is being shared. But our real problem is productivity,” he explained.
He expressed concern that the Supreme Court’s decision would dominate discussions for the next month, overshadowing the critical issues of hunger and economic productivity. “The Federal Government is saying now we need to import food. It’s a big shame. Yes, it’s a big shame on this country. We cannot feed ourselves. And then they are saying we should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and progress,” Makinde lamented.
Makinde stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to address its food production and economic growth challenges, rather than becoming preoccupied with the financial autonomy of local governments.
