Supreme Court Orders Direct Payment to Local Governments

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal Government must directly pay funds allocated to local governments across Nigeria.

This decision came following a lawsuit filed against all 36 state governments concerning the autonomy of local governments.

The court’s ruling specified that only local governments managed by democratically elected officials are entitled to these direct payments, excluding those managed by appointed officials.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, declared it unconstitutional for state governments to withhold and utilize funds meant for local governments.

He cited Section 162(3) of the Constitution, which mandates the transfer of these allocations directly to the local governments.

The lawsuit was initiated by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), seeking full autonomy for local governments.

============