The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, has said that effective grassroots governance is key to national development. He said that explains the Commission’s unwavering support for financial autonomy for local government areas in Nigeria.
Shehu spoke when he received a delegation from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), in his office in Abuja, led by its Director-General, Barr. Evan Enekwe.
He said: “We have always been on record as a Commission that strongly advocates for Local Government financial autonomy. The recent Supreme Court judgment affirming this autonomy is a victory not just for ALGON but for the nation. Development truly begins at the grassroots, and without empowered local governments, our national aspirations will continue to lag.”
The RMAFC boss informed the visitors that the Commission was re-establishing a committee of commissioners from each state to actively engage with stakeholders and ensure smooth implementation of the new legal framework.
He assured ALGON of the Commission’s readiness to support its developmental agenda and grassroots-focused programmes. “The Commission will support your conference and broader objectives,” he said, adding, “We are on the side of constitutionalism, equity, and grassroots development.”
Earlier in her remarks, Enekwe commended the Commission’s stance on local government empowerment. She appealed for continued partnership and support for ALGON’s upcoming National Sustainable Grassroots Development Conference scheduled for April 29 to 30, 2025.
“Increased revenue allocation to local governments is not just necessary—it is urgent,” she stressed, adding, “Financial autonomy and improved funding will accelerate development at the grassroots. We thank RMAFC and other progressive institutions for championing this cause.”
Enekwe also emphasised ALGON’s long-standing advocacy for equitable revenue sharing. “For over 20 years, the conversation has remained the same, and it is time for real change,” she further said.
Some RMAFC Commissioners present at the meeting stressed the importance of robust collaboration between the Commission and ALGON.
In his contribution, the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State on the Commission, Ismail Mohammed Agaka, lamented the weakening of local governments due to excessive state interference.
He said, “Today, most local governments exist only in theory, their powers hijacked by governors. We look forward to functional and sustainable local councils as enshrined in the constitution.”
