EFCC to scrutinize activities of Local Government administrations

By Kunle Sanni

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), announced that the agency will scrutinize the activities of local government administrations.

Olukoyede made this statement on Monday during a dialogue in Abuja organized by Agora Policy, a think tank focused on enhancing accountability, democracy, and good governance in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs).

This initiative follows a recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local councils. The verdict affirmed that it is illegal for LGAs to be managed by caretaker committees appointed by state governors.

The commission explained that its involvement aims to ensure adherence to this ruling and promote transparent governance at the local level.

Represented by Friday Ebelo, EFCC Director and Coordinator of Special Duties, Olukoyede emphasized that good governance encompasses three essential elements: accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

“Solid and development-minded individuals are needed to manage local government administrations effectively,” he said. “It is on this note that the EFCC has served notice to local government administrations that it will not be business as usual. Their activities will be scrutinized.”

“We will make a deliberate effort to bring the presence of government to our people at the local government level,” he added.

Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy, stated that although LGAs are in charge of resource mobilization, perform regulatory duties, and act as the first line of defense, they are the least trusted level of government in Nigeria.

“The lack of interest in local governance is evident as many citizens are unaware of their councillors’ identities and prefer working at federal or state levels over LGAs,” Adio said. “This disinterest contributes to the ineffective functioning of LGAs, which are critical to making Nigeria work optimally.”