Jigawa LG Chairman Confirms Direct Federal Allocations
Jigawa LG Chairman Confirms Direct Federal Allocations
The recent confirmation by Local Government Chairmen in Jigawa State, most notably Hon. Shuaibu Hambali of Taura LGA, marks a historic turning point in Nigeria’s quest for grassroots fiscal autonomy.
By acknowledging the receipt of federal allocations directly into council accounts, these leaders have signaled the end of the controversial “State-Joint Local Government Accounts” system.
This shift ensures that funds intended for community development are no longer delayed or diluted at the state level, allowing for immediate intervention in rural infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
This development is a direct result of the federal government’s aggressive enforcement of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on local government autonomy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently reinforced this legal mandate at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, issuing a stern warning that any interference with local funds would be met with severe consequences. This “presidential ultimatum” has served as a catalyst for transparency, compelling states to align with the Renewed Hope agenda and allow local councils to function as a truly independent third tier of government.
The impact of this financial independence is already visible through tangible projects across Jigawa’s 27 councils.
For instance, the Taura Mega Empowerment Programme was successfully funded using these direct allocations, providing tools and capital to over 500 constituents without the usual bureaucratic bottlenecks.
This proves that when the “fear of the warning” meets fiscal discipline, local chairmen are empowered to shift from being mere salary-paying administrators to becoming active drivers of socio-economic growth in their respective domains.
Furthermore, this new era of transparency aligns with Jigawa’s 2026 fiscal framework, where Governor Umar Namadi signed a consolidated budget of ₦288.85 billion specifically for local government councils.
By institutionalizing these direct flows, the state is creating a clear audit trail that makes it easier for citizens to hold their local leaders accountable.
The elimination of “sharp practices” and backdoor control means that every naira allocated from the Federation Account can now be tracked directly to the projects and people it was meant to serve.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of direct allocations in Jigawa serves as a blueprint for the rest of the Federation.
It reinforces the administration’s commitment to strengthening governance at the most basic level, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the furthest corners of the country. As the Renewed Hope agenda gains momentum, the empowerment of local governments stands as the most critical pillar for sustainable national development and long-term political stability.
