Hon. Makanjuola Yahaya Lanre, a grassroots political activist and an APC member from Kwara State, has warned that the recent Supreme Court verdict providing fiscal independence to local governments throughout Nigeria could exacerbate disparities between well-funded and financially strapped regions unless meticulously executed.
At the sixth Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sobi FM Chapel media discussion, which was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Media Parliament and focused on “Grassroots Governance and Security: A Blueprint for Sustainable National Growth,” held in Ilorin on Wednesday, Makanjuola commended the significant judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in July 2024. This decision affirmed the constitutional independence of local administrations and mandated that financial resources be directly transferred from the Federation Account to municipal authorities, thus circumventing state-level governance structures.
Undoubtedly, this choice signals a fresh beginning for local governance in Nigeria. After decades, councils are now able to devise plans, create budgets, and implement projects free from state intrusion.
However, Makanjuola warned that this new financial freedom also carries potential risks, particularly the possibility of increased economic disparity among local councils.
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“Financial independence means local governments now rely solely on what they can generate and what they receive directly from the centre. Wealthier LGAs will thrive. But what happens to rural councils with low revenue bases?” he queried.
As he points out, numerous residents similarly misinterpret the abilities and constraints of municipal administrations.
“People anticipate well-maintained roads, reliable power supply, excellent educational institutions, and good healthcare; however, they also insist on reduced taxes. This scenario is unsustainable,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial investments in fiscal transparency and public awareness campaigns at the local community level.
He pointed out that although Ilorin West and other urban local governments might gain advantages under the revised system, numerous areas in the rural regions of the state as well as various parts of Nigeria could get marginalized unless a comprehensive nationwide equalization strategy is implemented.
“Democratic systems function optimally when individuals can monitor how their tax dollars are utilized. However, they falter when certain regions struggle to amass sufficient funds for essential services like paying employees or managing waste,” he stated.
Makanjuola promoted a balanced strategy that supports fiscal independence while also advocating for mutual aid between governments and fairness-driven resource distribution. He emphasized, “Autonomy should not turn into neglect; thus, the federal government needs to implement regulatory protections.”
He connected greater autonomy for local governments with enhanced community safety, suggesting that stronger municipal councils might address increasing incidents of kidnappings, rural brigandage, and youth joblessness—issues stemming from fragile local administrative frameworks.
“The fight for genuine federalism doesn’t just occur at the national stage—it begins with your councilor, local government head, and how your naira is utilized,” he stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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