… As Akume Chairs 10 Man Inter Ministerial Committee
Following speculations that the functionality of the local government autonomy may be thwarted by State Governors, the Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to enforce the Supreme Court judgement.
Recall that the Supreme Court had on 11th July, 2024 delivered judgement granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in the country, a feat that was largely applauded by Nigerians because of the over bearing influence of state governors.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, nominated himself to serve as Chairman.
He is to be assisted by Nine other members including the Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning and Accountant General of the Federation.
Other members of the Inter Ministerial Committee are Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance), Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Representative of State Governors and Representative of Local Governments.
Giving a term of reference, Akume noted that the committee’s primary goal would be to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.
He noted that policy was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.
