The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that local government allocations are paid directly, warning against political interference in implementing the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
Speaking at the 8th National Administrative Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Abuja on Sunday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for immediate compliance with the court’s directive.
“We have got autonomy now. I want to plead with the federal government not to play politics with it. The release of funds to local governments should not be at the whims and caprices of the government,” Ajaero stated.
He insisted that local government allocations must be transferred directly to accounts opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Ajaero further pledged NLC’s full support for NULGE’s push for full local government autonomy, vowing to fight any violations at the council, state, or federal levels.
“The moment the highest court gave that ruling, compliance became mandatory. Even the president agrees with it. So, why the delay?”
Commending past NULGE leaders for ensuring smooth democratic transitions, Ajaero urged the new leadership to uphold the union’s legacy and continue the fight for local government independence.
