One year after the Supreme Court granted full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, state governors have retained control of council allocations totaling N4.5 trillion, defying the landmark judgment.
The Federal Government had constituted an inter-agency panel to oversee the implementation of the ruling and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to open individual accounts for each local government council.
However, the process remains largely unimplemented, with local government allocations continuing to pass through state governments amid delays and disputes.
The amount (N4.5trn) disbursed to local government councils between July 2024 and June 2025, representing 24.87% of the N18.074 trillion shared among the three tiers of government.
Many states, including Kwara, Kano, and Benue, have not complied with the Supreme Court ruling, with local governments yet to open accounts with the CBN or receive direct allocations.
The implementation committee, Chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has been slow to resolve the issues, with some states citing internal requirements and lack of clarity on the judgment.
Some SANs have faulted the non-implementation, describing it as a blatant affront to the rule of law and calling for compliance.
Labour leaders have blamed state governors and the AGF for delaying the implementation, citing lack of political will and commitment to respecting constitutional governance.
