....Hails Financial Autonomy for Local Governments as a Major Breakthrough in Nigeria's Decentralization Journey[i][/i]

The Association of Local Government Organisation of Nigeria (ALGON) Board of Trustees has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for their instrumental roles in securing financial autonomy for Nigeria's 774 local governments through a landmark Supreme Court judgment.

In a statement issued in Abuja, ALGON BOT Chairman Shaban Ohinoyi Shuaibu hailed the judgment as a significant milestone in decentralizing power and a resounding victory for the people of Nigeria. He acknowledged that additional constitutional reforms are necessary to further streamline governance and enhance the functionality of local governments.

The Association called for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECOMs) and the empowerment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct uniform elections for local governments, aligning with the four-year tenure of state and federal offices. ALGON also urged the removal of sections 7 and 8 from the Constitution to enhance governance and facilitate effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

Shuaibu expressed the Association's commitment to supporting the federal government in ensuring accountability and transparency in local governments. He encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in local government affairs, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping the country's development trajectory.

In preparation for this new era, the ALGON BOT ratified the engagement of Samuel Babatunde, a renowned financial expert and Managing Director/CEO of S&B Management and Accounting Solutions Ltd, as a consultant to represent the 774 local governments in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and manage their financial dealings. This move aims to ensure prudent financial management and optimal resource allocation at the local level.

The Association expressed its profound appreciation for President Tinubu's political will and support in achieving this milestone, paving the way for greater autonomy, development, and prosperity in local governments across Nigeria.