Ambali Olatunji, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)’s national president, says over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s problems will be addressed following the Supreme Court ruling granting local government autonomy.

Mr Olatunji, in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Lagos, was reacting to the ruling by the apex granting LGAs financial autonomy.

“We believe that with the local government autonomy judgment, over 50 per cent of Nigerian problems have been fixed,” said Mr Olatunji.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for local government administrations.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had filed a lawsuit on behalf of the federal government, seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all 774 local government areas.

Mr Olatunji, who expressed joy at the ruling, described the feat as freedom and a new dawn for the country.

“Also, we hope there will be financial integrity at the local government levels, and all financial transactions will be tracked,” said the NULGE boss.

Mr Olatunji disclosed that the union would work with antigraft agencies to ensure growth and development.

“So, we are happy, and it is a fulfilment of long-awaited dreams, and the struggle in the last 15 years has come to a victorious end,” he said.

The union leader also said that with the judgment, insecurity would become a thing of the past, joblessness would be addressed, and poverty and infrastructural gaps would be reduced.

“We appreciate the media, our social partners, especially the Nigeria Labour Congress, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for their resilience and support,” Mr Olatunji said.

(NAN)