Owerri: The Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights, a non-profit organisation, urges strict accountability in the enforcement of Financial Autonomy for Local Governments.
Executive Director Dr Emeka Ononamadu addressed newsmen in Owerri on Thursday after a stakeholder engagement on the Freedom of Information Act and Local Governance in Nigeria.
The forum was organised by the centre, in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room.
Ononamadu spoke on “Reviving Local Governance: Citizens-Led Advocacy for Local Government Budget Accountability and Reform”.
He emphasised that true Local Government Autonomy and stronger accountability are essential to curb corruption, boost local economies, and enhance security.
He also said that the Supreme Court judgment affirming Local Government Financial Autonomy should be respected and implemented to the letter.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly raised concerns that the large allocations meant for Local Governments are not reflected in development outcomes across Nigeria, and this concern is legitimate.
The Supreme Court ruled that Federation Account allocations to Local Governments must go directly to councils, not to State Governments, a decision widely welcomed.
“Despite these measures, there has been little visible progress,” Ononamadu said.
He therefore called for the full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and a prompt amendment to the State-Local Government Joint Account system, as provided for under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He said this would further improve job creation, essential services, and local economic development.
He added that strong accountability and autonomy would boost local economic growth, foster rural development, and reduce insecurity nationwide.
“For Nigeria, local government reform is not merely a governance issue; it is a national development imperative,“ Ononamadu said.
