The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to desist from supporting state governors in obstructing the financial independence of local councils.
NULGE President Hakeem Ambali dismissed claims that local governments failed to submit audited accounts, insisting that all councils have at least three years of audited records.
He urged the CBN to issue clear guidelines for account openings, assuring that local governments are ready to comply.
This comes amid delays in implementing a Supreme Court ruling mandating the direct remittance of local government allocations by FAAC.
Finance Minister Wale Edun acknowledged challenges in enforcing the ruling but noted that a committee had been set up to resolve the matter.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi warned defiant governors of legal consequences, emphasizing that local government autonomy is essential for grassroots development.
