By Anastasia John E.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has announced that all 774 local government councils across the country will soon receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account.
This follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that mandates the direct disbursement of funds to local governments.
ALGON President, Bello Lawal Yandaki, disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is awaiting directives from the Federal Government to open dedicated accounts for each of the 774 councils. He stated that this process can be completed within 24 to 48 hours for each council.
Yandaki, who is a member of a sub-committee tasked with addressing implementation challenges, confirmed that stakeholders, including labour unions, local government chairmen, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have been consulted.
He expressed optimism that the direct disbursement of funds to local governments will commence this January, adding that the sub-committee is currently finalizing its recommendations and submitting them to the Federal Government for implementation.
This move is expected to enhance financial transparency and accountability at the local government level.
