CISLAC: Local Governments Still Denied Funds Despite Supreme Court Order

On 5 October 2025, civil society groups such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) said Nigeria’s 774 local governments still do not receive their statutory allocations directly from the federal government more than a year after a Supreme Court judgment guaranteed their autonomy and barred governors from diverting funds. The campaigners told BBC Hausa there is no evidence governors are allowing councils to access and spend their money without interference.

CISLAC director Awwal Musa Rafsanjani explained that many governors still regard local government allocations as personal revenue and have little incentive to let go, leaving councils unable to plan or carry out projects. He urged council leaders to resist corruption and warned that anyone who mismanages funds will be held accountable.

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling delivered on 11 July 2024 affirmed that Nigeria’s local governments are constitutionally entitled to manage their funds and that state governors may not appoint or remove council heads outside of elections. CISLAC wants the constitution amended so the judgment becomes permanent law and is calling on skilled citizens to work with councils to strengthen governance and development.

CISLAC director Awwal Musa Rafsanjani said governors still see local government allocations as a major source of revenue and have little incentive to let go; he said activists and academics remain concerned that local leaders cannot plan or execute projects because state governments withhold funds【†L81-L9ment chairpersons to resist corruption and remind governors that mismanagement could lead to legal consequences.

The Supreme Court ruling, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, stated that the 774 local governments are constitutionally entitled to manage their allocations and that state governors may not appoint or remove local council heads outside of elections【515883412210532†L109-L120】. CISLAC wants the constitution amended so the judgement becomes permanent law and is calling on skilled citizens to work within the councils to help build local communities and hold officials accountable【515883412210532†L130-L146】.