FG and Governors Agree on Three-Month Delay for LG Allocations; Police Charge Sedition in Flag Incident

Federal Government and State Governors Reach Temporary Agreement on Local Government Allocations

In a significant development, the Federal Government and state governors have agreed to a three-month moratorium on the direct payment of Local Government (LG) allocations. This delay, expected to last until October, arises from concerns about the impact of financial autonomy on salary payments and operational viability for Local Governments.

The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 LGs, mandating that allocations be paid directly into their accounts. The ruling declared the non-remittance of funds by state governors unconstitutional, a move aimed at ensuring transparency and proper management of LG funds.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, a regulation effective from June 1, 2019, prohibited transactions on State and Local Governments’ Joint Accounts, directing funds to be deposited directly into LG accounts and limiting daily cash withdrawals to N500,000. Despite these measures, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum opposed the regulation, leading to its eventual reversal.

Police Transfer 76 Suspects to Abuja, Plan Sedition Charges

In response to recent violence during nationwide hunger protests, the Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The suspects face charges of sedition for their involvement in the violent protests that resulted in significant damage and looting of public properties in Kano State.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided an update on the situation, emphasizing the police’s efforts in crime prevention and management. The press conference aimed to address concerns related to the recent violent incidents and the ongoing investigations.

Council of State to Discuss Protests, Inflation, and National Security

The Council of State, comprising all living former presidents and heads of state, is set to meet at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, today. This meeting, convened by President Bola Tinubu, marks his first since taking office 14 months ago. Key agenda items include recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, economic issues, food security, and national security.

The last Council of State meeting occurred on February 10, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, addressing election-related crises, the new naira policy, and fuel scarcity.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Expected to Impact Fuel Prices

Independent petroleum marketers in Nigeria anticipate that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery could lower petrol prices to between N600 and N650 per litre once operational. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed optimism that the refinery, which cost $20 billion, would significantly reduce fuel costs.

IPMAN National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, highlighted that while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) sells petrol to marketers at N570 per litre, most members purchase from private depots at prices exceeding N700 per litre. The Dangote refinery is expected to bring more competition and lower prices in the market.