The Federal Government has yet to commence direct allocations to Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to ongoing procedural requirements, according to Hon. Odunayo Alegbere, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
Alegbere revealed that LGAs have been directed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the process. While implementation is still in progress, he commended the Federal Government for its commitment to local government financial autonomy, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.
He emphasized that direct allocation would empower LGAs, enhance development at the grassroots, and help eradicate poverty. However, he criticized the current system where state governments oversee local government elections, often resulting in selections rather than democratic contests. He urged the National Assembly to complete ongoing constitutional amendments to address this issue.
Alegbere also called for the removal of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution and its replacement with a national body to oversee local government elections, ensuring greater fairness.
Highlighting the link between local governance and national security, he argued that the failure of LGAs has contributed to rising insecurity. He urged the government to integrate traditional rulers into the local government framework to enhance grassroots security efforts.
On the crisis in Rivers State, Alegbere praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency, stating that the intervention prevented a potential civil conflict.
He reaffirmed ALGON’s support for the Federal Government’s efforts to implement financial autonomy for LGAs and strengthen local governance across Nigeria.
