The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned local government chairmen across Nigeria that they will be held accountable for mismanaging public funds, emphasizing that financial autonomy does not grant them immunity from prosecution.
Speaking at the Gombe State Local Government Summit, Olukoyede cautioned that with increased federal allocations following the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, council leaders must ensure responsible management of resources and focus on delivering developmental projects.
“Even though you may have financial autonomy, you must also remember that you don’t have constitutional immunity. The application of your resources will be strictly monitored—not only by anti-corruption agencies but also by the state government,” he stated.
The EFCC chairman stressed the need for accountability at the grassroots level, urging local government chairmen to familiarize themselves with public finance laws and regulations. He also called for stronger legislative oversight, as many local councils lack functional checks and balances.
“Most times, the legislative arms of local governments do not sit or function properly. Without full autonomy for these branches, council chairmen will continue to act as sole administrators, which undermines due process and accountability,” Olukoyede said.
He also urged traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to monitor how council funds are utilized and report any irregularities to the EFCC.
“We must all take a greater interest in the resources allocated to local governments by tracking budgets and ensuring proper implementation. Where there is evidence of corruption, civil society organizations must alert anti-graft agencies for immediate intervention,” he added.
Olukoyede’s warning signals a tougher stance on corruption at the local government level, reinforcing the EFCC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability across all tiers of government.
