Supreme Court Orders Federal Government to Pay Allocations Directly to Local Governments

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered the Federal Government to pay allocations directly to Local Government Councils from the Federation Account. This judgment comes after a suit filed by the Federal Government in May against the 36 state governors, seeking full autonomy for the country’s 774 local governments.

The seven-member panel of justices ruled that state governments have consistently misused their powers by withholding and utilizing funds intended for Local Government Areas (LGAs). This decision is a significant victory for local governance and could have far-reaching implications for grassroots development in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court’s judgment mandates the Federal Government to bypass state governments and channel allocations directly to LGAs, ensuring that funds reach their intended destinations. This move is expected to enhance the autonomy and effectiveness of local governments in delivering essential services to their communities.