BY CHUWANG DUNGS
The Taraba State Advisory Committee, on the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local government areas in Nigeria on Monday commenced a three day stakeholders engagement.
After the Apex Court rulling Governor Agbu Kefas, inaugurated a seven-man Advisory Committee to work on the implementation of the ruling in the state.
The committee was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring a smooth and effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s Judgement
Held at the Conference hall of the Bureau for Local government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, the interaction was with the Chairpersons of the 16 local government areas in the state and Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Directors of Finance (DFS).
The forum commenced with a welcome address by the chairman of the committee, Abel Diah, he emphasised the critical role of the Chairpersons in propelling local government development considering the full financial autonomy granted to them.
Mr Diah said the 3 days meeting with various stakeholders will provide a necessary platform for insightful discussions, emphasising the committee commitment and experience in bringing up workable recommendations.
He urged them to intensify their revenue drive in order not to run their councils with borrowed funds.
In his words “The idea of Local Government Autonomy is not for you to rest on your oars on the monthly Federal Allocations which may not service all your needs but for you to intensify efforts on internally generated revenue and prudent management of your financial affairs, otherwise, you will result to borrowing and drawing unending overdrafts to run your affairs, a situation that may ground your Council’s capacity
“This is a remarkable opportunity for you to enhance the delivery of public services, address local challenges, and foster sustainable development in your communities.
“It is for you to truly reflect the aspirations and needs of your people, as you are best positioned to understand the unique dynamics and challenges faced by your constituents.
“As the advisory Committee works to establish the framework for the implementation of this ruling, I urge you to engage actively, provide valuable insights and collaborate with the committee to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Speaking in a different session to the HOLGAs and DFs, Mr Diah said : “You must strengthen your financial management practices, ensuring that every naira is wisely and judiciously spent in alignment with the priorities of your people.
“The Director of Finance will play a crucial role in this regard, serving as the custodian of your fiscal resources and the architect of your financial strategies by preparing a development plan and setting a timeframe for their execution.
“The preparation of the annual budget and ensuring that all revenues due to the Local Government are collated and accounted for to reduce their dependency of the monthly subvention.”
“You must chart a new course for local governance in Nigeria. You must be the architects, the champions of change, and catalysts for sustainable development at the grassroots level.” Diah said.
