By Shamsudeen Abubakar Makolo


Abuja, Nigeria - In 1999, during President Olusegun Obasanjo's presidency the State and Local Government Joint Account was introduced using the 1999 constitution, a system that inadvertently enabled the misappropriation of local government funds. This move compromised the integrity of the local government structure, intended to be the third tier of government. The consequences were far-reaching, leading to a decline in local governance and public service delivery.

The Consequences of Joint Account

The joint account system allowed state governments to exercise significant control over local government funds, creating an environment ripe for corruption and mismanagement. This led to:

1. Misappropriation of Funds: Local government revenues were siphoned off, depriving communities of essential public services and infrastructure. For instance, in 2019, a report by the Nigerian Audit Office revealed that over N10 billion was misappropriated from local government funds in a single state.

2. Decay of Local Governance: The third tier of government, meant to be closest to the people, became ineffective, and local governments struggled to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. As a result, many local governments failed to provide basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation.

3. Inequitable Development: The concentration of power and resources at the state level exacerbated regional disparities, hindering balanced national development. For example, some states received significantly more funding than others, leading to unequal distribution of resources.

4. Lack of Transparency: The joint account system made it difficult to track how funds were being used, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability. This was evident in the numerous cases of corruption and embezzlement that went undetected for years.

5. Inefficient Service Delivery: The joint account system led to inefficient service delivery, as local governments were unable to respond effectively to community needs. This resulted in poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, and substandard education.

6. Underdevelopment: The joint account system hindered local economic development, as funds meant for development projects were misappropriated or misused. This led to underdevelopment in many local areas, with communities lacking basic infrastructure and amenities.

The end for all of these and more is in sight as the present administration has made it a cardinal priority so as to ensure that the people who are the actual owner of sovereignty and common wealth can have significant access.

A Breakthrough: Supreme Court Judgment

In a landmark ruling by Justice Emmanuel Agim (JSC) the lead judge of the 7 member panel on the 11th of July 2024, the Supreme Court has granted local governments full autonomy, liberating them from the shackles of state control. This judgment marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's quest for effective local governance.

The Supreme Court's decision will:

1. Empower Local Governments: Local governments can now manage their finances, make independent decisions, and respond to community needs.

2. Foster Grassroots Development: Autonomy will enable local governments to drive development initiatives, tailoring solutions to local contexts.

3. Enhance Accountability: With control over their finances, local governments will be more accountable to their constituents, promoting transparency and good governance.

President Tinubu's Commitment

President Bola Tinubu's administration has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening local governance. The Supreme Court's judgment aligns with his vision for a more decentralized and effective system of government.

A New Era for Local Governance

The granting of full autonomy to local governments marks a new chapter in Nigeria's political history. As local governments assume their rightful place as the third tier of government, citizens can expect improved public service delivery, enhanced accountability, and more inclusive development. The journey to autonomy has been long, but the promise of a brighter future for local governance in Nigeria has finally been realized.

In Conclusion

The Supreme Court's landmark ruling granting local governments full autonomy is a significant milestone in Nigeria's quest for effective local governance. By empowering local governments to manage their finances and make independent decisions, this ruling paves the way for improved public service delivery, grassroots development, and enhanced accountability. As Nigeria embarks on this new era of local governance, citizens can expect a more decentralized and effective system of government, where their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized. With President Tinubu's administration committed to strengthening local governance, the future of Nigeria's local governments looks brighter than ever.

and insightful