In a landmark ruling that could reshape grassroots governance across Nigeria, a Federal High Court has declared local governments fully autonomous, effectively ending decades of state control over their funding and operations. The judgment, delivered in Abuja, affirms that local councils are constitutionally recognised as an independent tier of government and must be allowed to function without interference from state authorities.
The court ruled that key sections of the Universal Basic Education Act which placed Local Government Education Authorities under the supervision of State Universal Basic Education Boards were unconstitutional. According to the judge, the arrangement contradicted the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees autonomy to local governments as distinct entities within the federal structure.
With the ruling, local governments can now access funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission directly, without passing through state governments. The court also ordered that relevant federal agencies notify all state governments and local councils of the decision, with full compliance expected within a defined timeframe.
For years, education advocates and civil society groups have criticised the existing system, arguing that state governments often diverted or delayed funds meant for basic education at the local level. As a result, many communities were left with decaying classrooms, unpaid teachers and millions of children out of school despite the availability of federal intervention funds.
The judgment is being widely interpreted as a turning point in Nigeria’s long struggle with overcentralisation and weak local governance. By removing state control from local education financing, the ruling aims to strengthen accountability and allow communities to take direct responsibility for their schools and development priorities.
However, observers note that the real test will be implementation. Previous court rulings on local government autonomy have faced resistance from state authorities, raising concerns that political pushback could once again slow or dilute reform.
For now, the decision marks one of the most significant legal shifts in Nigeria’s governance structure in recent years, with the potential to reshape how power, resources and responsibility flow from the centre to the grassroots.
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