…Commission Outlines Strict Monitoring Plan
…Officials Urged To Embrace Transparency
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has issued a stern warning to local government officials nationwide, declaring that any abuse or mismanagement of council funds under the newly restored local government autonomy will attract decisive sanctions.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, delivered the warning on Thursday in Jos at a capacity-building workshop on the Local Government Accountability Framework for LGAs in Nigeria.
The programme was organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.
Represented by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Clifford Oparaodo, Aliyu described the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy as “final and non-negotiable,” stressing that officials who attempt to subvert it would face the full wrath of the law.
“The judgment is final. Anybody who is aggrieved can only appeal to God Almighty,” he said.
“But once these funds start coming to you directly, you must deploy them properly to achieve the purpose for which the Federal Government fought for this autonomy.”
He lamented that many councils had for years been treated as “cash cows” for personal and political profiteering, insisting that the era of reckless diversion of local government resources was over.
“That habit has to change. The Federal Government did not secure this ruling so officials can take the money home and use it anyhow they like,” he warned.
“If, after this guidance, you still insist on going the old way, we will come after you.”
Aliyu explained that the ICPC — in collaboration with other oversight bodies including the Code of Conduct Bureau, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Ministry of Justice — would roll out stricter monitoring systems to ensure transparency, prudent budgeting and responsible utilisation of LG funds.
He urged participants to take the sensitisation seriously and disseminate the message across their councils.
“Tell your neighbours and colleagues that transparency is now the way to go,” he said.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Uche, who represented the European Union, RoLAC and International IDEA, highlighted the critical importance of transparent governance, stressing that Nigeria’s development cannot progress without integrity in public finance management.
“The European Union believes countries must get their governance right, and that is why we are supporting this process,” he said.
“But is it not ironic that foreigners are the ones insisting that transparency and accountability should prevail in public governance for the good of our people?”
The workshop drew participants from local government councils, federal agencies and civil society organisations.
Discussions focused on practical steps to operationalise financial autonomy and strengthen accountability mechanisms in grassroots administration
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