- By Samuel Timothy
Abuja, Nigeria – The Senate has passed the first reading of the “Local Government Fiscal Accountability Bill 2024 (SB, 549),” a new piece of legislation aimed at bolstering fiscal transparency within local government administrations. This bill mandates the publication of monthly allocations from the Federation Account to all Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central and the bill’s sponsor, underscored the importance of this legislation in building public trust and confidence in local government operations. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Senator Mustapha explained the bill’s objectives and potential impact.
“Transparency in local government finances will lead to more effective and rapid development in rural areas and help curb rural-urban migration,” he stated. Emphasizing that local governments are the closest arm of government to the people, he highlighted how publicizing their revenues would drive development and accountability.
Senator Mustapha noted that local government chairmen, who do not have constitutional immunity, would be encouraged to utilize funds wisely and effectively if their revenues were made public. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, he emphasized his commitment to motivating local governments to prioritize rural 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,” he explained.
Senator Mustapha expressed confidence in the bill’s potential to significantly contribute to national growth and development. He stressed, “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.”
If enacted into law, the bill 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.
