Abuja, July 11, 2024 – Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has commended the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils in Nigeria.
Atiku made the commendation in a statement released via his X handle on Thursday.
Atiku said: “I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.”
“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities.
“Many of our states, especially those in the ultra-urban areas with high-density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many motor parks.
“The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments.” (GBN)
