The Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights, a non-profit organisation, has called for greater accountability in the implementation of the Financial Autonomy for local governments.

Its executive director of the centre, Emeka Ononamadu, made the call while addressing journalists in Owerri, on Thursday, shortly after a stakeholders’ engagement on the Freedom of Information Act and Local Governance in Nigeria.

The forum was organised by the centre, in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.

Mr Ononamadu said that LG autonomy and improved accountability would reduce corruption in the country, strengthen the local economy and reduce insecurity.

He also said that the Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the council’s financial autonomy, should be respected and implemented to the letter.

Mr Ononamadu called for the full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and a prompt amendment to the State-Local Government Joint Account system, as provided for under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Mr Ononamadu said that doing so would further enhance job creation, delivery of essential services and local economic development.

“Local government autonomy, combined with strong accountability systems, will not only reduce corruption but also stimulate local economic growth, strengthen rural development, and reduce insecurity across the country.

“For Nigeria, local government reform is not merely a governance issue. It is a national development imperative,“ Mr Ononamadu said.

(NAN)