RMAFC Backs Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy
By Patience Ikpeme
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has expressed its approval of the nation’s progressive shift away from practices that have long rendered local government areas (LGAs) powerless.
This comes on the heels of a landmark Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the constitutional autonomy of LGAs in Nigeria, a move that RMAFC sees as a critical step toward strengthening democratic governance and fiscal transparency at the grassroots level.
Speaking during a sensitization meeting with members of the Board and management staff of the Commission in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of RMAFC, Muhammed Shehu Bello, lamented the historical subjugation of local governments by state governors. “It’s the state governors that determine who gets what, the local government has no power; we must move away from that,” he said. Bello’s remarks highlighted the systemic issues that have plagued local governance in Nigeria for decades, where state-level control has often undermined the financial independence and operational efficacy of local councils.
Bello went on to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his pivotal role in the events leading up to the Supreme Court’s ruling. “We back Mr. President and the Attorney General for taking this bold step to really get this done at this moment. In my opinion, this is a landmark judgment,” Bello stated, expressing RMAFC’s full support for the administration’s efforts to ensure that LGAs are empowered to fulfill their constitutional roles.
The Supreme Court’s judgment, which was delivered recently, has been hailed by many as a significant victory for local governance in Nigeria. The ruling affirms the autonomy of LGAs, thereby granting them greater control over their finances and decision-making processes. This shift is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level—a development that RMAFC views as essential for the nation’s overall progress.
Bello emphasized the importance of patience and understanding from the public as the government implements this decision. He noted that while the democratic system in Nigeria may have its flaws, it remains the best framework for ensuring that no single individual or entity can wield unchecked power. “I will say that it is a good thing that we are under a democratic system of government, no matter how flawed that system is. We have a situation where it is no longer up to one man to do as he pleases, as we have had in the past. I know many of us are not happy with the progress we have made, but there is hope for greater success if we all play our roles well and give the necessary support to the government,” he added.
In alignment with Bello’s sentiments, the Secretary to the Commission, Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu, reiterated RMAFC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the principles of local government autonomy are fully implemented in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. Okechukwu urged the Commission’s Board members and staff to apply the knowledge gained from the sensitization session in their daily functions. He stressed that RMAFC remains dedicated to promoting fiscal efficiency and ensuring that national resources are allocated in a manner that supports sustainable development and good governance at all levels.
Adding a legal perspective to the discussion, Barrister Mohammed Abdul, Esq., a legal expert and consultant to the Commission, provided an in-depth analysis of the Supreme Court’s judgment. He clarified the legal responsibilities that the ruling imposes on both federal and state governments, emphasizing the necessity for all tiers of government to adhere strictly to the ruling to promote transparency and effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
Abdul underscored the constitutional foundation of local government autonomy, citing Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, which recognizes local government as a distinct tier of government. He explained that in order for funds to effectively reach the grassroots, LGAs must have a direct role in the sharing of revenue from the Federation Account. “The decision, as we have seen, is a bit controversial; however, we need to take into cognisance the perspective that was in place before the decision of the Supreme Court. With the coming of democracy, it was also promulgated that governance in that tier of government should be democratic,” Abdul stated.
He further elaborated on the implications of Sections 162(5) and 162(6) of the Constitution, which established joint state and local government accounts to ensure that funds received from the Federation Account are distributed equitably. However, over time, state governors began to manipulate these accounts, often withholding funds intended for LGAs to finance state-level projects. This practice not only deprived local governments of much-needed resources but also led to significant governance challenges at the grassroots level.
“In the history of Nigeria, there were several decisions of the Supreme Court that were rendered pertaining to the fact that this resolution is not constitutional, but you will find that the governors continued to do it as if the Supreme Court had not rendered its decision,” Abdul pointed out, highlighting the persistent disregard for the judiciary’s authority by some state governors.
The recent Supreme Court ruling marks a turning point in this ongoing struggle, reinforcing the autonomy of local governments and setting a precedent for future governance in Nigeria. As RMAFC continues to advocate for fiscal transparency and equitable resource distribution, the Commission’s leadership believes that this judgment will pave the way for more effective governance and sustainable development across the nation.
