The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to track monthly allocations for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs), as local government autonomy is set to begin by November 2024. Hakeem Ambali, President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), confirmed that direct payments would commence following the Supreme Court’s recent decision affirming LG autonomy.
The Supreme Court ruling, delivered on July 11, determined that state governors can no longer control or withhold LGA funds. It also mandated that funds be directly disbursed to LGA accounts, which is expected to activate fully at the November Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) distribution.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede pledged that the commission will closely monitor how funds are used across all LGAs, vowing to prosecute any misuse of funds. Olukoyede stated, “Local government operations have been crippled by excessive state control, and we’re ready to ensure transparency in the use of funds,” emphasizing the EFCC’s role in tracking budget performance at the LGA level.
Federal Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, alongside an inter-ministerial committee, has championed this move towards local government autonomy. As November approaches, it remains critical for all LGAs to comply with new disbursement rules, with EFCC oversight ensuring funds reach the intended development initiatives at the grassroots level.
