Centre Calls for Accountability in Local Government Autonomy

On Monday, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Citizen-Centric Development, urged for greater accountability in the implementation of financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria.

This call was made during a stakeholder engagement organized by the Centre in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Owerri. Ononamadu highlighted the Supreme Court's judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments and expressed concerns that the allocation meant for local governments is not reflecting developmental outcomes across Nigeria.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu's concerns regarding the large allocations intended for local governments that are not effectively utilized. Ononamadu called for the full implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment and a quick amendment to the state-local government joint account system as provided in Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

He emphasized that strong accountability systems would not only reduce corruption but also stimulate local economic growth, strengthen rural development, and reduce insecurity across Nigeria.