Nigeria TV Info 

Tinubu Threatens Governors with Direct FAAC Deductions to Enforce Local Government Autonomy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to Nigerian state governors that he may issue an Executive Order directing direct Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) deductions to local governments if they continue to withhold statutory allocations. The threat came on Friday at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja — a gathering that included governors, party leaders, and National Working Committee officials.

Tinubu’s warning underscores deepening tensions over the implementation of a landmark Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024, which declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for the 774 local government councils. The apex court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account must be paid directly to local governments, as provided under Sections 162(5-8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Despite this judgment, several governors have been slow or reluctant to comply, continuing the long-standing practice of channeling local government allocations through state-local government joint accounts. In his address, Tinubu signaled growing impatience with the lack of full compliance, saying, “The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, give them their money directly … If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”

The President stressed that while he has exercised restraint and respect for his governors thus far, continued non-compliance could prompt decisive federal action — including direct FAAC deductions to ensure local councils receive their funds without interference.

The unfolding dispute highlights ongoing challenges in implementing fiscal federalism reforms in Nigeria, as federal efforts to enforce local government autonomy clash with entrenched state interests. Civil society groups and unions have in the past urged stronger enforcement of the Supreme Court ruling to enhance grassroots governance, while some governors have expressed concerns over the practical implications of direct funding.