The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has commended the Supreme Court for the landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.

Aminu Muazu-Maifata, the national president of ALGON, spoke during a news conference on Monday in Lafia.

Mr Muazu-Maifata, also the chairman of the Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and ALGON chairman in the state, commended President Bola Tinubu and the governors of the 36 states for accepting the apex court’s decision.

He promised a cordial working relationship between the council chairs and the governors, adding that such a move would ensure proper developments at the grassroots.

The president added that the financial autonomy would propel the council chairs to redouble their efforts towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

“We know there are many expectations from us under the new arrangement where our funds will come directly from the federal government.

“Expectations will come from our people, our governors, and even the president, who is passionate about the development of rural areas.

“So, we are very much aware of all these expectations, and by the grace of God, the country will be better in the near future,” he added.

The ALGON boss, however, called for an upward review of the revenue accruing to the 774 councils to enable them to comfortably pay the new minimum wage when approved.

He said reviewing the sharing formula would enable the councils to embark on infrastructural development and address the security and other challenges currently ravaging rural communities.

“It will also help us to create more job opportunities and an enabling environment for people to go about their lawful businesses without fear of attack or intimidation,” he said.

The apex court on Thursday, July 11, granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.

The Supreme Court, in suit no. SC/CV/343/2004 ordered the federal government to immediately commence direct payment of local government funds to area councils.

(NAN)