EFCC Pledges Increased Oversight of Local Governments Following Financial Autonomy Ruling

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has committed to enhancing its oversight of local government administrations in Nigeria, in light of the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial autonomy to the 774 local councils.

At a dialogue hosted on Monday by Agora Policy, a think tank, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede stressed the importance of effective governance at the local level, focusing on accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

Represented by Friday Ebelo, EFCC Director and Coordinator of Special Duties, Olukoyede noted that “solid and development-minded people” are needed to lead local governments to ensure effective administration.

He added, “It is on this note that the EFCC served a notice to the local government administrations that it will not be business as usual. Their activities will be scrutinised.

“We’ll make a deliberate effort to bring the presence of government to our people at the local government level.”

The EFCC’s pledge to intensify scrutiny of local government operations follows the Supreme Court ruling that deemed the practice of state governors appointing caretaker committees to manage local councils illegal.