Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has demanded accountability over billions of naira allocated to local governments, accusing state governments of undermining local councils’ autonomy. This call came during a press conference in Lagos on Friday, according to THISDAYLIVE. Falana argued that the lack of transparency and accountability in the administration of local government funds is a major obstacle to the development of communities across Nigeria. ‘State governments must respect the autonomy of local councils and ensure that funds allocated to them are used for the benefit of their constituents’, Falana said. This issue is particularly relevant in light of the upcoming elections, as local governments play a critical role in service delivery and community development. While state governments are responsible for allocating funds to local governments, they often lack transparency and accountability in their spending, according to Falana. This lack of oversight means that funds intended for community development projects may be misused or diverted, exacerbating inequality and underdevelopment in many parts of the country. Falana’s call for accountability is a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s local government administration, a key factor in ensuring that funds allocated to local governments are used for the benefit of their constituents.
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