Politics

Tinubu Warns Governors: Comply with LG Autonomy or Face Direct Deductions from FAAC

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on December 19th, 2025.

President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that he may enforce direct deductions from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to fund local governments if they fail to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. This move is aimed at ensuring financial independence for local governments, allowing them to receive allocations directly without state interference.

Tinubu emphasized that local government autonomy is impossible without financial independence, stating, “There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.” He urged governors to support the Supreme Court’s judgment, highlighting the importance of direct funding for effective grassroots governance.

The Supreme Court had ruled that state governments have no right to retain or manage funds meant for local councils, ordering direct payment of allocations from the Federation Account. Governors had previously expressed concerns about the implications of this ruling, but Tinubu stressed that compliance is mandatory.

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has also urged Tinubu to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment, citing attempts by some state governments to bypass the law.