FG reveals when LG councils will start receiving monthly allocation

All 774 local government councils in Nigeria will start receiving allocation from the Federal Government starting January 2025.

This follows the Supreme Court judgement in July that granted full autonomy and right for local government councils to manage their own funds.

The money, coming from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), will no longer go through state governments.

Some councils have already started receiving funds directly, and by January, all 774 councils will get their payments this way.

This move ends the long-standing system where states controlled council funds.

Many governors resisted the judgement, but the federal government has cleared all obstacles to make it happen.

Some states are still trying to control council money by creating new laws, but others, like Nasarawa, have supported the new system.

The federal government has warned governors not to interfere with council funds and promised legal action if they do.

Council leaders are being encouraged to use the money wisely to improve roads, water supply, and other basic services.

They are also expected to focus on solving local problems and making life better for people in their communities.

A source told The Nation:

“A few LGAs have already started receiving their direct allocations but all of the 774 LGAs will fully start receiving their allocations from January 2025.

“Our committee will reconvene in January to review its progress and finalise measures before the Accountant-General of the Federation issues authorisation for the complete rollout.

“This is a critical juncture in Nigeria’s governance structure.

“Our January 2025 meeting will also address the actions of governors attempting to undermine the autonomy of democratically elected LGA chairmen, deputies, and councillors, ensuring they are not coerced into serving state interests.”