Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal to enforce financial autonomy for local governments through an executive order. Atoyebi described this move as an important step toward empowering local governments and enhancing grassroots governance.

The President’s warning to state governors about issuing an executive order to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling was also highlighted. The ruling mandates that statutory allocations for local government councils be paid directly into their accounts, bypassing state governments. However, the implementation of this judgment has been inconsistent across different states.

Atoyebi argued that financial autonomy is key to improving service delivery at the local level. He emphasized that local councils must have direct access to their allocated funds to properly address community needs, such as providing basic infrastructure, healthcare, clean water, and ensuring local security.

According to Atoyebi, many local governments are struggling due to financial limitations, hindering their ability to carry out their core responsibilities and slowing down development in rural and semi-urban areas. He believes that ensuring financial independence for local governments will clarify the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and improve accountability in governance.

Atoyebi also cited Lagos State as a positive example, where local governments have had greater financial independence, which has contributed to more effective governance and closer ties to the people.