The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a public accountability, anti-corruption, and human rights advocacy organization, has called for an immediate end to state governors’ control and interference in constitutionally allocated local government funds.
The group says restoring fiscal autonomy is essential to unlocking sustainable development, transparency, and democratic governance at the grassroots level.
FENRAD aligned its position with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Nigeria’s statutory body responsible for revenue allocation and fiscal federalism.
According to the organization, RMAFC has consistently maintained that Local Government Councils are a constitutionally recognized third tier of government and must enjoy full financial independence to effectively serve citizens.
RMAFC Analysis and Constitutional Imperative
Citing RMAFC’s official analysis and public statements, FENRAD noted that persistent state interference in local government finances has weakened service delivery, undermined accountability, and eroded democratic governance at the grassroots. The Commission has reportedly warned that the diversion, withholding, or joint management of local government allocations by state governments contradicts constitutional provisions, encourages corruption, and hampers rural development.
RMAFC has further emphasized that direct disbursement of funds from the Federation Account to Local Government Councils would enhance transparency, improve governance outcomes, reduce poverty, and ensure the delivery of essential services such as primary healthcare, basic education, sanitation, environmental protection, and rural infrastructure.
The Commission has also expressed concern over continued non-compliance by some states despite judicial pronouncements and is said to be strengthening monitoring mechanisms to track local government revenues and expenditures nationwide.
Impact on Grassroots Development and Human Rights
FENRAD argued that the continued control of local government funds by state governors has weakened grassroots institutions, denied communities their right to development, and reduced public trust in governance. The organization stressed that local governments are closest to the people and play a vital role in promoting economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, social justice, and participatory democracy.
According to the group, financial autonomy for local governments is not merely an administrative issue but a matter of public accountability and human rights, noting that when community funds are controlled elsewhere, citizens are deprived of essential services and effective local representation.
Call to Action
FENRAD called on:
State Governors to immediately end all forms of control, diversion, or interference in local government funds.
The Federal Government to enforce direct allocation of funds to Local Government Councils in line with constitutional and judicial directives.
Oversight and Anti-Corruption Agencies to investigate past and ongoing abuses linked to local government finances.
Civil Society, the Media, and Citizens to intensify advocacy for transparency and accountability in local governance.
Conclusion
FENRAD maintained that Nigeria’s development depends on strong, autonomous, and accountable local governments.The organization said respecting the fiscal independence of Local Government Councils as consistently advocated by RMAFC would strengthen democratic governance, improve service delivery, reduce poverty, and accelerate sustainable development at the grassroots.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparent governance, environmental justice, human rights protection, and equitable development, pledging continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure local government financial autonomy becomes a reality across Nigeria.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
📞 08033383708, 07062949232
📧 info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com
🌐 www.fenrad.org.ng�
