By Damilare Adeleye
Two weeks after Supreme Court verdict, the Federal Government has hinted that it’s yet to commence direct payment of monthly allocations to the 774 local government areas in the country.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made this known on Thursday at a quarterly media briefing on recent economic activities in the country.
He explained that the Supreme Court’s proceedings had not yet been communicated to the Attorney General of the Federation for proper study and implementation.
On July 11, 2024, a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to the local governments, a decision opposed by some state governors including Ondo State.
The apex court emphasised the division of government power into three tiers: federal, state, and local governments.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee held its monthly meeting last week, which was supposed to mark the start of the direct disbursement of funds to the LGAs.
According to reports, the FG said it has yet to commence direct payment to the respective LGs due to some “practical impediments.”
Edun highlighted that the process is still in its early stages, and further steps will be taken once the full details are available.
He stated that a committee has been set up by the FG to look at the practicability of the judgement.
“The actual proceeding has not been handed down to the AGF,” Edun stated.