The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong demand for the Federal Government to ensure direct disbursement of local government allocations in strict compliance with the recent Supreme Court judgment. The labour union cautioned both federal and state governments against any attempts to politicize or delay the implementation of the landmark ruling, which grants financial autonomy to local governments by mandating direct payments from the Federation Account through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
NLC’s Firm Stance on LG Autonomy
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the call during his keynote address at the 8th National Administrative Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) held in Abuja on Sunday. His speech highlighted the critical importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing that the ruling was not merely a suggestion but a binding legal directive that must be enforced without compromise.
Ajaero stressed that the era of state governors acting as intermediaries in the disbursement of local government funds must come to an end. He described the previous system, where governors controlled and often mismanaged allocations meant for local councils, as a major obstacle to grassroots development.
“We have fought for and won autonomy for local governments. Now, we must ensure that this autonomy is not just on paper but in practice,” Ajaero declared. “The Supreme Court has spoken, and its judgment is clear: local governments must receive their funds directly. There should be no room for political games or selective implementation.”
Warning Against Delays and Manipulation
The NLC president expressed frustration over what he described as unnecessary delays in enforcing the court’s ruling, despite widespread public support and even acknowledgment from the presidency. He warned that any further hesitation or deliberate sabotage of the process would be met with stiff resistance from organized labour and civil society groups.
“The highest court in the land has given its verdict, and the President has expressed his agreement with it. So why are we still seeing delays?” Ajaero questioned. “This is no longer a matter of choice—it is a legal obligation. The NLC, NULGE, and the entire labour movement will not stand by and watch while this ruling is undermined.”
He further cautioned against any attempts by state governors to circumvent the ruling through backdoor negotiations or political pressure, vowing that the NLC would mobilize its members and allies to resist such moves.
The Implications of Financial Autonomy for Local Governments
The Supreme Court’s judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for governance at the grassroots level. For decades, local governments in Nigeria have operated under the tight control of state governors, who often withheld or diverted funds meant for council administrations. This systemic mismanagement has been blamed for the abysmal state of infrastructure and social services in many rural communities.
With direct funding, local governments will now have greater control over their budgets, enabling them to prioritize projects that address the immediate needs of their constituents. Experts believe this could lead to improved service delivery in areas such as primary healthcare, basic education, and rural infrastructure.
However, concerns remain about the capacity of some local councils to manage their finances effectively. Critics argue that without proper oversight and accountability mechanisms, direct allocations could be misused by corrupt council officials. The NLC acknowledges these concerns but insists that the solution lies in strengthening transparency frameworks rather than maintaining the status quo.
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NULGE’s Role in Ensuring Compliance
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has been at the forefront of the struggle for local government autonomy. The union has long argued that the overbearing influence of state governors has stifled development and demoralized workers at the grassroots level.
Ajaero commended NULGE’s past leaders for their resilience in pushing for reforms and urged the new leadership to remain steadfast in holding governments accountable. He advised them to build on the achievements of their predecessors while adopting innovative strategies to engage stakeholders at all levels.
“The fight for local government autonomy did not start today, and it will not end today,” he said. “But we have reached a critical juncture where we must ensure that the gains we have made are not reversed. NULGE must continue to advocate for its members and for the millions of Nigerians who depend on functional local governments.”
Potential Challenges Ahead
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear ruling, there are indications that some state governors may resist full compliance. Historically, governors have relied on their control of local government funds to consolidate political power, and relinquishing this control could weaken their influence.
There are also concerns about possible legal and administrative bottlenecks in transitioning to the new system. For instance, questions have been raised about how the CBN will manage direct payments to over 700 local governments across the country without causing disruptions.
The NLC acknowledges these challenges but insists that they are not insurmountable. The union has called for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders—including the federal government, state governments, financial institutions, and civil society—to ensure a smooth transition.
Next Steps for the NLC and NULGE
In the coming weeks, the NLC and NULGE plan to intensify their advocacy efforts to ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. Key strategies include:
- Engaging the Federal Government: The NLC will press for immediate directives from the presidency and the Ministry of Finance to enforce the judgment without delay.
- Monitoring Compliance: Labour unions will work with anti-corruption agencies and the media to track the disbursement of funds and expose any violations.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The NLC will launch nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of local government autonomy and how it affects their lives.
- Legal Action: If necessary, the unions are prepared to return to court to seek enforcement orders against any government or official flouting the ruling.
A Call for Collective Action
Ajaero concluded his speech by calling on all Nigerians to support the fight for local government autonomy, describing it as a crucial step toward national development.
“This is not just NULGE’s fight; it is Nigeria’s fight,” he said. “When local governments are strong and functional, every Nigerian benefits. We must all stand together to ensure that this judgment is implemented to the letter.”
Conclusion
The NLC’s demand for direct allocation of local government funds marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s governance structure. If fully implemented, the Supreme Court’s ruling could redefine power dynamics between state and local governments, potentially ushering in a new era of grassroots development. However, success will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians over political interests.
As the NLC and NULGE prepare to hold the government accountable, the coming months will be critical in determining whether this landmark judgment will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of millions at the grassroots level.