The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to ensuring full financial and administrative autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local governments. This commitment follows the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling mandating direct federal allocations to local councils, which remains largely unimplemented due to resistance from state governments.
Shehu emphasized that local government autonomy is critical for grassroots development, poverty reduction, and addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. He announced plans to reconstitute state-level committees to engage stakeholders and enforce compliance with the autonomy framework. The RMAFC is collaborating with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to push for increased funding and operational independence for councils.
Despite the Supreme Court’s order, many local governments still rely on state-controlled joint accounts, hindering their ability to execute projects independently. Shehu urged councils to open Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) accounts for direct federal transfers and called on citizens to demand accountability from their leaders.
The RMAFC’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s ongoing legal push to enforce autonomy, including control over staffing, taxation, and service delivery. Shehu stressed that empowering local governments is essential to improving infrastructure, service delivery, and democratic participation across Nigeria.
