The South-West region emerged as the top beneficiary of the N281.47 billion Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to local government areas in July, an analysis of the disbursement has revealed.
The zone, which comprises 137 local government areas, received N63.95 billion, accounting for 22.72% of the entire sum.
The North-West, with 186 local government areas, closely followed, receiving N62.78 billion or 22.3% of the total allocation.
The oil-rich South-South region, with 123 local government areas, came third, securing N44.52 billion, representing 15.82% of the total disbursement.
Meanwhile, the North-Central zone, which has 115 local government areas, received N38.11 billion, translating to 13.54% of the allocations.
The South-East, with the fewest local government areas (95), received the smallest allocation, totaling N30.62 billion, or 10.88% of the overall distribution.
On a state-by-state basis, Lagos State, with its 20 local government areas, was the highest recipient, securing N26.93 billion.
Kano State followed, with its 44 local government areas receiving N15.36 billion. Rivers State, with 23 local government areas, ranked third, obtaining N12.37 billion.
Conversely, the states with the least allocations were Bayelsa, with its eight local government areas receiving N3.66 billion; Gombe, with 11 local government areas getting N3.95 billion; and Nasarawa, with 13 local government areas receiving N4.27 billion.
The recent Supreme Court ruling, which mandates that local government allocations be paid directly into their respective accounts rather than through state consolidated revenue accounts, has sparked widespread reactions.
Many citizens have lauded the decision, noting that local governments, which are closer to the people, have been financially incapacitated under the previous arrangement, hindering their ability to perform their constitutional roles effectively.
This landmark judgment has also intensified calls for greater scrutiny of local government finances to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
At a recent policy dialogue on “Enthroning Accountability in Local Governance in Nigeria,” organized by Agora Policy in partnership with Yaga Africa, MacArthur Foundation, Budgit, Premium Times, and TheCable, participants underscored the urgent need for competent leadership in local governments.
They warned that without capable hands, local councils risk becoming mere “774 sharing points” for the allocation of resources.
The dialogue emphasized that many elected local government officials, including chairmen and councilors, lack a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
Participants called on citizens to hold their local leaders accountable to ensure that public funds are used effectively to address the needs of their communities.
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