JIGAWA – A Local Government Chairman in Jigawa State has confirmed that councils in the state are now receiving their federal allocations directly, marking a significant shift towards financial autonomy and transparency at the grassroots level.
The Chairman, whose name was not immediately disclosed, affirmed the development in a statement that linked the change directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stern warning during the last National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
President Tinubu had explicitly directed that statutory allocations meant for Local Government Areas must reach them without interference from state governments, a move widely seen as an effort to curb diversion, sharp practices, and undue control of council funds.
“Indeed, the fear of President Tinubu’s warning has proven to be the beginning of wisdom,” the statement noted, adding that the development signals “the end of diversion, sharp practices, and backdoor control of local government funds.”
The implementation of direct allocations is expected to empower local administrations, enhance service delivery, and strengthen governance at the community level. It aligns with the Federal Government’s push for accountability and fiscal discipline under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
If sustained across all states, this policy could transform local governance by giving councils greater control over their resources, enabling more responsive and impactful development projects.
The Jigawa confirmation is seen as a test case and potential model for full compliance with the presidential directive nationwide.
