Abuja, Nigeria – August 21, 2024: The Federal Government has announced the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to spearhead the implementation of local government autonomy across the country. The committee, which will be chaired by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), is tasked with ensuring the seamless execution of the recently passed legislation granting financial and administrative independence to local government councils.
The committee comprises key figures in the nation’s financial and governance sectors. Among them are the Minister of Finance, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other significant stakeholders in the financial sector. Representatives from state governments and local government councils will also be part of the committee, ensuring that all levels of government are adequately represented in the decision-making process.
This move is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to decentralize governance and empower local governments to function independently, without undue interference from state governments. The new legislation is seen as a critical step towards enhancing grassroots development, as it provides local governments with direct access to their funds, enabling them to address the unique needs of their communities effectively.
In his remarks during the announcement, Senator Akume emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework. “The autonomy of local governments is essential for grassroots development and the overall progress of our nation. This committee will work diligently to ensure that the autonomy granted by law is fully implemented, and that local governments are equipped to meet the needs of their citizens,” he said.
The Finance Minister highlighted the financial implications of the move, noting that the autonomy will enable local governments to generate and manage their own revenue more efficiently. “This is a significant step towards fiscal decentralization. Local governments will now have the financial independence to plan and execute projects that directly impact their communities,” the Minister stated.
The RMAFC Chairman and CBN Governor also expressed their commitment to the success of the initiative, pledging to provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition to autonomy for local governments across the country.
The inclusion of state and local government representatives in the committee is expected to foster collaboration and address any concerns that may arise during the implementation process. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, where a detailed roadmap for the implementation of local government autonomy will be outlined.
The establishment of this committee marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive towards strengthening local governance and promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level. All eyes will now be on the committee as it undertakes the critical task of translating the vision of local government autonomy into reality.