FENRAD backs financial autonomy for LGs, cites RMAFC grassroots development data

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called for the immediate halt to state governors’ control and interference in constitutionally allocated local government funds, to unlock sustainable development and democratic governance at the grassroots level.

FENRAD aligned its position with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Nigeria’s statutory body on revenue allocation and fiscal federalism, which has consistently maintained that Local Government Councils are a constitutionally recognized third tier of government and must operate with full fiscal autonomy to effectively discharge their responsibilities to citizens.

According to RMAFC’s official analysis and public statements, state interference in local government finances has significantly weakened service delivery, accountability, and democratic governance at the grassroots.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the Commission has warned that the persistent diversion, withholding, or joint control of local government allocations by state governments undermines the constitutional framework, fuels corruption, and stalls rural development.

RMAFC has further emphasized that direct disbursement of funds from the Federation Account to Local Government Councils is essential for transparency, improved governance outcomes, poverty reduction, and the delivery of basic services such as primary healthcare, education, sanitation, environmental protection, and rural infrastructure.

FENRAD noted that RMAFC has also expressed concern over the continued non-compliance by many state governments despite judicial affirmations and has announced plans to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to track local government revenues and expenditures nationwide.

The continued grip of state governors over local government funds has systematically weakened grassroots institutions, denied communities their right to development, and eroded public trust in governance. Local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, are critical to realizing economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, social justice, and participatory democracy.

FENRAD stressed that financial autonomy for local governments is a matter of public accountability and human rights, not administrative convenience.

When funds meant for communities are controlled elsewhere, citizens are deprived of essential services and democratic representation at the local level.

In line with RMAFC’s analysis and constitutional provisions, FENRAD calls on State Governors to immediately cease all forms of control, diversion, or interference in local government funds.

The Federal Government is to enforce direct allocation of funds to Local Government Councils in compliance with constitutional and judicial directives.

Oversight and anti-corruption agencies to investigate past and ongoing abuses related to local government finances. Civil society organizations, the media, and citizens intensify advocacy and demand transparency and accountability in local governance.

FENRAD firmly believed that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved without strong, autonomous, and accountable local governments.

Respecting the fiscal independence of Local Government Councils, as consistently advocated by RMAFC, will strengthen democratic governance, improve service delivery, reduce poverty, and accelerate sustainable development at the grassroots

FENRAD remained committed to promoting transparent governance, environmental justice, human rights protection, and equitable development, and will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that local government financial autonomy becomes a reality across Nigeria.