Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a seismic verdict today, stripping state governors of power to control local government funds. In a unanimous decision, justices ordered direct federal allocations to LG accounts – bypassing state “joint accounts” notorious for mismanagement. The ruling responds to a suit by the Federal Government alleging ₦15 trillion in diverted LG funds since 1999.
Governors’ forums have 7 days to comply, with financial penalties for non-adherence. Civil society groups celebrated the judgment as “the people’s victory,” while state officials privately warned of “chaotic implementation.”.
Power just got pulled from the center to the grassroots. Whether this fuels development or fresh bureaucracy? We’ll see in 6 months.