Senate passes bill to make local govt allocations public

The Senate has passed, for first reading, a bill aimed at enhancing fiscal transparency in local government administration.

The bill, known as the “Local Government Fiscal Accountability Bill 2024 (SB, 549),” mandates the publication of monthly allocations to all Local Government Areas from the Federation Account.

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central and the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the importance of the legislation in fostering public trust and confidence in local government operations.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday after the passage of the bill, Senator Mustapha elaborated on the bill’s goals.
He said, “Transparency in local government finances will lead to more effective and rapid development in rural areas and help curb rural-urban migration.”

He noted that local governments are the closest arm of government to the people and that making their revenues public would drive development and accountability.
He added, “Local Government Chairmen do not have constitutional immunity. By publishing their revenues, we encourage them to utilise funds wisely and effectively.”

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Mustapha emphasised his commitment to motivating local government administrations to prioritise rural development.

He expressed confidence that the bill would achieve its intended goals and significantly contribute to national growth and development.

He added, “The objective of this bill is to promote transparency and accountability in local government administration by mandating the publication of monthly allocations to all Local Government Areas from the Federation Account. By doing so, we aim to foster public trust and confidence in local government administrations.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, my intention is to motivate local government administrations to develop rural areas, which is a key focus of mine. I am confident that this bill will achieve its intended purpose and contribute to the growth and development of our nation,” he stressed.

The bill, if enacted into law, will require the Federal Ministry of Finance and its relevant agencies to publish monthly allocations to all Local Government Areas nationwide, ensuring these details are accessible to the public.