As of January 2026, the battle for local government autonomy has moved from the courtroom to the front lines of enforcement. Following the landmark July 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which declared the withholding of local funds by state governors unconstitutional, the Federal Government has begun direct remittances to the 774 councils.
However, “administrative strangulation” remains a hurdle. Several states continue to use state-controlled structures to route these funds, leading President Bola Tinubu to warn of a potential Executive Order to solidify direct allocations. This reform is not just about money; it is about ensuring that the third tier of government can independently fund rural roads, primary healthcare, and local security without seeking “permission” from the state capital.
