The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) against the Federal and State Governments until May 29, 2025. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/353/2025, was scheduled for mention before Justice Inyang Ekwo but could not proceed due to the court’s non-sitting status on the day.
ALGON’s lawsuit follows the Supreme Court’s judgment on July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. However, ALGON alleges that state governments have failed to comply with this decision, prompting the legal action.
The suit names the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), state Commissioners for Finance, and several other federal institutions as defendants. ALGON seeks an order requiring the inclusion of local government councils in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings and demands that funds be disbursed to local governments only with their approval.
However, several defendants, including the CBN and state Commissioners of Finance, have filed preliminary objections challenging ALGON’s legal standing to initiate the suit. They argue that ALGON lacks statutory recognition and jurisdiction to participate in revenue allocation discussions.
The adjournment to May 29 sets the stage for further legal proceedings, as ALGON continues its push for local government autonomy and representation in financial decision-making processes.
