Tinubu Directs Governors to Honour Local Government Financial Autonomy, Demands Direct Funding

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Nigeria’s 36 State Governors to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy, insisting that statutory allocations meant for the Country’s 774 Local Councils must be paid directly into council accounts without interference by State Governments.

Tinubu delivered the directive at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, stressing that the Apex Vourt’s ruling cannot achieve its intended purpose unless Local Governments enjoy financial independence.

“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court order,” he said, emphasising the need for governors to obey the judgment in both letter and spirit.

The Apex Court in July 2024 ruled that allocations due to Local Governments should no longer be routed through joint State-Local Accounts managed by Governors, describing such practices as unconstitutional.

Tinubu noted that compliance with this judgment has been uneven across the States, prompting his appeal for immediate and total adherence.

The President also used the occasion to urge APC Governors and party leaders to extend their leadership efforts beyond State capitals to rural and grassroots communities, advocating flexibility, tolerance and active engagement at all tiers of Government.

He said effective governance and political leadership require attention to local needs and grassroots issues, and that party dominance should translate to tangible outcomes for citizens.

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to security reforms, including the establishment of state police, describing it as crucial to tackling Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity challenges.

He disclosed that he had engaged with International partners, including representatives of the United States and the European Union, and assured them of Nigeria’s readiness to implement the reforms.

The APC caucus meeting also featured discussions on party unity and strategy ahead of future elections, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and several high-profile defectors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party in attendance.

Party leaders highlighted the APC’s strengthened majority in the National Assembly and control of the majority of Nigeria’s States.

Tinubu’s call comes amid continuing debates on fiscal federalism in Nigeria and long-standing concerns from Local Government Associations and Labour Unions that past non‑compliance with the Supreme Court ruling has undermined grassroots development and local service delivery.