The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Inter-Ministerial Committee aimed at enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, delivered on July 11, 2024.
The committee inaugurated by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, which includes key officials such as the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General, is tasked with ensuring local governments operate independently from state governments.
The Supreme Court’s decision mandates that local councils manage their finances directly, promoting grassroots governance and accountability, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to uphold constitutional provisions for local governments.
According to a statement issued by Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the committee is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Other members are Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Accountant General of the Federation, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance).
Others are Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Representative of State Governors and Representative of Local Governments
The statement read: “The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.
“This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.”