Local Governments Remain Ineffective Despite Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling, Says Former NULGE President

Akeem Ambali, former national president of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), says local governments remain ineffective despite a Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, he blamed the failure to implement the ruling and political interference for weakening public services, particularly in rural communities. He urged candidates in the 2027 elections to set out clear plans for local government autonomy so councils can maintain rural roads, support farmers and provide basic infrastructure. Ambali praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to secure autonomy but lamented the lack of visible improvements, including roads so poor that farmers cannot transport their produce.