Abuja – Despite a landmark Supreme Court ruling and a firm commitment from President Bola Tinubu, state governors in Nigeria are reportedly maneuvering to delay the implementation of local government autonomy. This fresh wave of opposition comes as a 10-member inter-ministerial committee, tasked with outlining the enforcement of the July ruling, prepares to submit its report next week.
The Supreme Court unequivocally affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments, declaring it illegal for state governors to control or withhold local government funds. President Tinubu echoed this sentiment during his Independence Day address, vowing to uphold the court’s decision. However, sources reveal that governors are lobbying high-ranking officials to soften the implementation of the ruling, potentially undermining both the judiciary and the president’s authority.
This is not the first time governors have resisted efforts to grant local governments financial independence. In 2019, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) issued a regulation barring state governments from accessing local government accounts, only to back down after pressure from the governors.
The governors’ resistance raises concerns about their commitment to grassroots development and the potential for continued mismanagement of funds intended for local communities. The inter-ministerial committee’s report, expected by October 13th, is now eagerly anticipated as it will likely outline the government’s strategy to counter the governors’ pushback and ensure local governments finally receive the financial autonomy they are constitutionally entitled to.
This ongoing power struggle has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic future and the effective delivery of services at the local level. It remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will stand firm on his pledge or succumb to pressure from the governors.
