Senate Awaits Supreme Court Decision on Local Government Autonomy

The Senate has stated that it will await the Supreme Court’s decision on the contentious issue of local government autonomy before considering any changes to existing laws.

Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, made this known during an interview in Abuja yesterday.

Adaramodu explained that the Senate is currently constrained and not in a position to offer an opinion until the Supreme Court makes its pronouncement.

He noted that there was a period in the nation’s history when local governments were largely autonomous, but perspectives changed over time. Concerns have been raised about the revenue allocation formula and issues of equity, among others.

Adaramodu stated, “We might not be able to say much about local government autonomy at this time, but we are discussing the distribution of funds to local governments. There are several indices that inform this distribution, including equality, land mass, and social indices.”

He elaborated on the factors considered in fund distribution, such as the number of hospitals, dispensaries, primary schools, junior secondary schools, and population. “For example, a local government with only one primary school will not receive the same funding as one with 37 primary schools due to the formula used,” he said.

Adaramodu concluded, “We will not discuss further on local government autonomy until the Supreme Court rules. Once the ruling is made, the National Assembly will determine the next steps.”