Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has signed the Nasarawa State Local Government Law 2024, passed by the State House of Assembly.
Governor Sule signed the new local government law at a ceremony on Monday in Lafia.
The exercise, therefore, repealed the State Local Government Law 2018, which has since existed.
After signing the document, the governor said the move complied with the Supreme Court judgment granting full financial autonomy to local government areas.
The governor also announced the abolishment of joint accounts for the state and local government.
“As we embark upon this new chapter, it is crucial that this legislation that we have assented to today demonstrates our deliberate effort to fully comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy. This judgment has set a precedent that we, as a state, are committed to consolidating and honouring the law of our land.
“Furthermore, I am pleased to announce the abolition of the joint account between the state and government. This critical change will enhance the financial autonomy of our local government councils, allowing them to manage their resources directly and fund essential services for our communities. This approach aligns with our commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensures that funds allocated for local government reach their intended destinations without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic hurdles,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Sule has also sworn in the newly elected Chairmen of the 13 Local Government Areas of the State and called on them to be transparent and accountable in discharging their duties.
He also urged them to execute projects and programmes that would directly affect the lives of their people.
Sule described the election that ushered in the new leaders at the councils as one of the state’s most transparent and peaceful elections.
He thanked traditional rulers, stakeholders and other people for attending the event.
“I want to congratulate you, the elected chairmen, and 147 Councillors for your emergence.
“Your emergence reflects the confidence that the electorate reposed in you.
“I call on you to justify the confidence reposed in you by turning around the fortune of your respective local government areas,” he said.
