The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have applauded the groundbreaking policy to transfer Local Government revenues directly into their bank accounts. This development follows the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling, affirming the financial autonomy of local governments.
The landmark judgment, delivered by a seven-member panel led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared it unconstitutional for governors to withhold local government funds, mandating direct allocations from the Accountant-General of the Federation.
NCYP noted the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Office of the Accountant-General to oversee the disbursement to Nigeria’s 774 local governments. Despite welcoming this move, the group expressed concerns about the readiness of Local Government Chairmen to manage these funds effectively and the preparedness of grassroots communities to ensure optimal utilization for development.
The group emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging Local Government Chairmen to organize town hall meetings to prioritize projects, ensure transparency, and build trust. They also called on grassroots citizens to form forums to monitor fund allocations and hold local governments accountable.
NCYP appealed to financial regulatory bodies like the EFCC and ICPC to establish monitoring units to oversee fund utilization and prosecute offenders. They also highlighted the role of civil society organizations and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in educating citizens about their role in fostering accountability.
Isaac Abrak, NCYP Chairman, stressed the need for periodic training workshops on budgeting and IT tools for Council Chairmen, emphasizing the public disclosure of budgets to enhance governance and accountability.
The group also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the committee led by Chief George Akume for implementing the Supreme Court judgment, while urging Local Government Chairmen to avoid fund mismanagement and excessive appointments.
Drawing parallels with the successful model of counties in the United States, NCYP highlighted the potential of Local Government Councils to drive grassroots development. They also called on the media to establish dedicated desks to report on local government progress and challenges, fostering dialogue and sustainable development.
The group concluded that empowering the grassroots is essential for national development, enhancing patriotism, and positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa and globally.
