Supreme Court Orders Nigerian Governors to Release Local Govt Funds

Abuja, Nigeria

In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court declared that state governments’ hold on local government funds is unconstitutional.

The court ordered that funds meant for local governments be sent directly to their coffers from the Federation Account, bypassing state government coffers.

The ruling comes after the Federal Government sued the 36 state governors over alleged misconduct and mismanagement of local government funds. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) argued that the governors’ actions violated the financial autonomy of local governments, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

The Supreme Court’s judgment is a significant victory for local government autonomy and a blow to the governors’ control over LG funds. The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had declared today a national day of prayer and fasting in anticipation of a favorable judgment.

This ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for local government administration and financial management in Nigeria.