By Ado Oyeyemi
Former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has urged Nigerians to hold state governors accountable for the management of increased federal allocations, accusing some state governments of denying local government councils access to funds meant for grassroots development.
Onuigbo, a two-term federal lawmaker and sponsor of the Climate Change Act 2021, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend, arguing that the rising revenue available to states should translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
He said the removal of the petrol subsidy had significantly increased revenue accruing to governments, urging governors to ensure that local government councils also received their statutory allocations to address challenges at the grassroots.
The former Abia State finance commissioner expressed concern over the continued use of Joint Account Committees by state governments, alleging that the arrangement had been used to restrict council chairmen’s access to funds meant for their areas.
Onuigbo identified Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as exceptions, claiming that local governments in the two states received their full allocations directly.
He noted that the revenue-sharing formula provides 52.68 per cent of Federation Account Allocation Committee revenue to the Federal Government, while states receive 26.72 per cent and local governments are entitled to 20.60 per cent.
However, he lamented that local councils were often unable to access the funds allocated to them, raising questions about the management of resources intended for grassroots development.
The former lawmaker argued that inadequate funding of local governments had contributed to unemployment, insecurity and declining economic activities in rural communities.
He said allowing councils to access their allocations would enable them to invest in agriculture, construct rural roads, build culverts and undertake other projects capable of improving livelihoods.
Onuigbo added that properly funded local governments would be better positioned to identify emerging security threats in their communities and alert state authorities or federal security agencies when necessary.
“Governors are no longer running around in search of funds with which to pay salaries.
We are also looking at a situation where resources meant for local governments are made available to them to pursue agriculture, so that citizens at the rural level can now engage in productive activities,” he said.
He further expressed concern over the condition of some local government headquarters, saying overgrown weeds and poor maintenance in such facilities reflected the challenges facing grassroots administration.
According to him, denying local councils the resources required to discharge their responsibilities undermines development and weakens their capacity to address the needs of residents.
The climate change law sponsor called for stronger cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments and local councils, arguing that effective coordination would help reduce unemployment and rural-to-urban migration.
He urged Nigerians to demand explanations from their governors over the management of increased public revenue, particularly funds intended for local government administration.
“If we have a similar synergy among the local governments, state and federal levels, in no time, you will have a well-rounded nation, where rural-to-urban migration and unemployment will be drastically reduced.
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“We know we have the resources, and they need to percolate down to the grassroots,” Onuigbo said.
