A bill, “Local Government Fiscal Accountability Bill 2024 (SB, 549) has passed first reading on the floor of the Senate.
Sponsored by the Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, the bill seeks to foster public trust in local government administration.
When passed into law, it would make mandatory, the publication of monthly allocations to all local government areas from the Federation Account.
Speaking to journalists shortly after plenary, Senator Mustapha said the aim was to promote transparency in local government finances which ultimately, 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.
“Local Government Chairmen do not have constitutional immunity. By publishing their revenues, we encourage them to utilize funds wisely and effectively.”
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development expressed confidence that the bill would achieve its intended goals and significantly contribute to national growth and development.
“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 lawmaker maintained that the passage of the bill into law would represent a significant step towards enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability at the grassroots level, potentially transforming the landscape of local governance in Nigeria.
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