The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has praised a recent Supreme Court decision affirming the financial independence of Local Governments in Nigeria.
The institute believes this ruling will significantly enhance governance and development at the grassroots level, promoting fiscal federalism and genuine autonomy within Nigeria’s federal structure.
They emphasized the need for local government chairpersons to responsibly manage resources, ensuring effective service delivery, and urging an end to the use of unauthorized individuals in revenue collection.
The court’s decision, which bars state governors from withholding local government funds and mandates democratically elected councils, is seen as pivotal in improving accountability and transparency at the local level.