Matter arising on direct allocation of funds to local government authorities by the FG

PRESS RELEASE ON DIRECT ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON 16 JUNE, 2019, BY OLADOJA OLUSHOLA AKA LADOJA NANS

Distinguished comrades, amiable students, remarkable ladies and gentlemen of the press, our revered parents, and all well-wishers of our great country Nigeria both home and abroad. It is pertinent that I state emphatically that we are in very defining moments in our country: education, security, livelihoods, and governance. The attainment of the “common good” for all Nigerians is a product of commitment of good leadership and support by citizens. 

Thus, promoting sustainable changes in the lives of Nigerians is, therefore, both a demand and responsibility of governance. While this is stated clearly, it is incumbent upon Nigerians irrespective of religious and political identity and ideology to laud giant strides made by leadership towards ensuring and sustaining the direct impacts of governance on citizens. As a concerned Nigerian student and youth, I applaud the decision of Nigeria’s Federal Government, led by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, on the direct allocation of funds to Local Government Councils.

Many Nigerians will agree with me that the state of infrastructure at the level of Local Governments is a conundrum; it is not the most attractive in terms of quality assurance and the maximum effects that it has on citizens who live and work within different Local Government Areas. 

This low quality of infrastructure also affects the delivery of education, health care, and improvement of livelihoods. The resolve by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fund local governments directly provide opportunities for improving the delivery of social services and asserting the importance of citizens’ welfare in a democracy. While we are hopeful that this new decision will change the lives of many Nigerians, I emphasise the need to channel reasonable amounts of these funds to strengthening the educational institution. 

The leadership of Local Government Councils need to demonstrate prudence and a deep sense of commitment towards upholding the future (the youth) of our country. Following this new system, allocated funds should be spent judiciously and according to strategic plans and budgetary allocations of each Local Government Councils. Mechanisms to prevent misappropriation of funds should be developed to achieve and sustain the desired impacts of this new financing strategy.

Finally, beyond personal and group sentiments, I appreciate the President Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria for rethinking different models of creating impacts within the Nigerian society. As a pragmatic Nigerian youth and a true patriot, my loyalty remains to my country. I will not be distracted by mantras and manifestos that ignore the overall state of affairs in the country. I will continue to poise and vocal in calling the attention of relevant authorities to address specific maladies in society. Although I recognise the importance of this financing strategy and the value that it will create for many Nigerians, especially in the areas of funding for education, more is still needed to make Nigerians more secured and satisfied. I urge the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to replicate this type of reform in the security and educational sectors. It is imperative that Nigeria’s leadership move from the rhetoric of “change” to the institutionalisation of practice. Change is impactful when it is complete and holistic.          

Signed: 

COMRADE OLADOJA OLUSHOLA AKA Ladoja NANS