The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is set to host a pivotal State of the Nation Discourse on February 19, 2025, focusing on the implementation of local government financial autonomy. This timely discussion aims to facilitate compliance with the Supreme Court’s groundbreaking judgment, which granted full financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, delivered on July 11, 2024, declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold or retain funds allocated to local governments. However, despite this significant judgment, challenges persist in implementing local government autonomy.
The NBA’s forthcoming discussion seeks to address these obstacles and promote a more accountable and efficient local government system. The event will convene key stakeholders, including state governors, local government representatives, civil society organizations, and the general public.
Through this high-level engagement, the NBA aims to:
1. Examine the challenges hindering the implementation of local government autonomy
2. Identify strategies to overcome these obstacles
3. Foster a collaborative approach among stakeholders to promote good governance and accountability
The NBA reaffirms its commitment to promoting the rule of law, good governance, and accountability in Nigeria. This landmark discussion represents a significant step towards ensuring that local governments are empowered to effectively serve their communities.