The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to monitor the use of funds allocated to Nigeria’s 774 local governments, as the federal government finalizes direct disbursement to them.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG). The program aims to curb the embezzlement of public funds and ensure effective resource distribution, fostering transparency and equitable development nationwide.
ICPC Chairperson Musa Aliyu emphasized the crucial role of local governments in delivering essential services. He noted that over 60% of corruption cases investigated at the local level involve fund diversion, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
“This reform removes undue state interference, ensuring direct disbursement of funds to local councils,” Aliyu stated. “As an anti-corruption agency, ICPC is committed to enforcing compliance, promoting transparency, and enhancing governance efficiency.”
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Director of Public Prosecution M.B. Abubakar, hailed the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming local government financial autonomy. He described it as a landmark decision that strengthens governance at the grassroots.
“The ruling not only upholds constitutional principles but also directs us towards inclusive and sustainable national development,” Fagbemi said, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to accountability and good governance as outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
As the third tier of government, local councils are closest to the grassroots. However, for decades, many have been crippled by state governors who withhold their federal allocations, disbursing only minimal amounts.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments, ruling that their allocations must be received directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation. The ruling declared it unconstitutional for governors to withhold these funds.
However, implementation has faced resistance in several states, with governors arguing that immediate execution is impractical. In response, an Inter-Ministerial Committee set up by the federal government met in January, pledging to enforce the verdict soon.
