Real reason FG is yet to begin direct allocation to LGs – ALGON

The Federal Government has not yet commenced direct allocation of funds to Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to ongoing procedural processes, according to Hon. Odunayo Alegbere, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

Alegbere revealed that LGAs have been directed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate direct funding, but the process is still underway.

He praised the Federal Government for its commitment to financial autonomy for local governments, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

He assured that direct allocation would empower local governments, allowing them greater control over finances and projects, which would ultimately reduce poverty at the grassroots level.

“If you look at the grassroots level, the level of abject poverty is alarming. But with this new arrangement, we are confident that we will eradicate and stamp out poverty,” he stated.

Alegbere criticized the current system where state governments conduct local government elections, arguing that it often results in selections rather than democratic elections. He expressed confidence that ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly would address this issue.

He also advocated for the removal of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and its replacement with a national body to oversee local government elections, ensuring a fairer process.

Linking Nigeria’s growing insecurity to the failure of local governments, Alegbere called for full financial and administrative autonomy for LGAs, as well as the integration of traditional rulers into local governance.

“Unless and until we revisit the older system, addressing insecurity will remain a challenge,” he stressed.

On the crisis in Rivers State, Alegbere commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency, stating that the intervention prevented a potential civil war.

He also dismissed claims by a fractional group regarding the ALGON Secretary-General position, warning that such individuals were impostors and affirming the association’s clear leadership structure.

Alegbere concluded by expressing optimism that the Federal Government would continue implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, ensuring the system functions effectively.

“We are the umbrella body of the 774 local governments in Nigeria, and we will continue to support the president in ensuring that the local government system functions effectively,” he stated.