Officials Explain Why Full Local Government Autonomy May Be Challenging
Officials of the Ondo State government have outlined reasons why full autonomy for Local Government Councils might not be achievable under the current framework.
Speaking anonymously, the officials explained that specific laws need to be amended before local councils can enjoy full financial and administrative independence. They emphasized that the state government has adhered to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) laws regarding the administration of local government funds.
One official stated that the Ondo State administration, from the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to date, has not interfered with local government allocations from the federation account, noting that the Joint Allocation Committee (JAC) laws remain intact.
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Another official explained that local government funds are allocated to specific areas such as security, pensions, gratuities, and traditional rulers to ensure seamless operations.
According to the source, “We have no option than to respect the laws. The incoming elected chairmen will enjoy autonomy. The federal government set up a committee on the implementation of those judgments, but the federal government needs to do something in the implementation of the judgment.
“Some laws need to be amended for states to start implementing. The state only acts like the central body for distributing money to the local governments. We have to ensure the smooth running of the local government system and provide funds for areas like training schools, pension boards, the Attorney-General’s office, security, and traditional rulers.”
Efforts to reach Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, for comments were unsuccessful.
