The Nigerian Bar Association is set to host a State of the Nation Discourse focusing on local government financial autonomy.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the NBA General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, and released on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the topic is crucial for ensuring full compliance with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Others.
On July 11, 2024, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court granted full financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country, as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The panel, in a unanimous decision, ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue receiving or retaining funds allocated to local governments.
In its statement, the NBA noted that the discourse aims to address the barriers to fully implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling.
It added that the event will bring together key stakeholders, including state governors, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, civil society organisations, and the general public.
Initially scheduled for February 10, 2025, the event has been rescheduled to February 19, 2025 and will take place at the NBA House, 1101 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja.
The association reaffirmed its dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue to strengthen local government accountability and efficiency.
It stated, “This high-level engagement will provide an opportunity to interrogate the challenges hindering the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and chart a path towards a more accountable and efficient local government system in Nigeria.”
The NBA stressed that the discourse represents a significant step in its commitment to promoting good governance and ensuring compliance with judicial decisions in Nigeria.
