Nigerian Government Vows to Stop State Interference in Local Government Finances

The Nigerian Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ending long-standing interference by state governments in the financial affairs of local governments across the country. During a budget performance appraisal session in Abuja, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Moham Shehu, expressed concerns over the persistent encroachment of state governments on local government finances.

He highlighted steps being taken to ensure financial autonomy for local governments, including the establishment of a local government committee to monitor each local government in Nigeria. The RMAFC is also conducting audits of oil assets in the Niger Delta region and working on a new revenue allocation formula for the three tiers of government.

Abiodun Faleke, a Lagos lawmaker and chair of the House Committee on Finance, commended the RMAFC's efforts to improve revenue generation in the country and strengthen the commission's position as a key governance institution.