President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh directive that could reshape governance at the grassroots level across Nigeria.
At a high-level party meeting in Abuja, the President asked all 36 state governors to release local government allocations directly to councils.
The instruction follows a recent Supreme Court judgement and was described as a firm move toward real local government autonomy.
The announcement came during the 14th APC National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre on Thursday.
According to the President, autonomy without funding is meaningless and will no longer be tolerated.
Therefore, he made it clear that compliance with the court ruling is not optional.
Speaking to party leaders and governors, Tinubu stressed the need for flexibility and responsibility at all levels of government.
He urged leaders to remain connected to events in their states, especially at the grassroots.
“You must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible, get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to local government level,” he said.
The President linked the issue of local government funding to broader national stability and development.
Moreover, he explained that effective grassroots governance is essential to delivering public services without direct funding, he argued, councils cannot function or meet their mandates.
Addressing the Supreme Court judgement, Tinubu was emphatic about full compliance.
“To me, the local government autonomy, it is and must be effective,” he said.
“There is no autonomy without funded mandate, we will give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance of the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”
In addition, the President revealed discussions with international partners on Nigeria’s security challenges.
He disclosed that he had assured the United States and the European Union of plans to establish state police. This move, he said, would help tackle rising insecurity across the country.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads,” Tinubu stated.
“I was bragging to tell that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security.”
He added that party unity would be crucial to achieving the reform.“They asked me if I’m confident, and I say, yes, I have a party to depend on,” he said.
“I have a party that will make it happen. However, he warned that failure was not an option for the ruling party.
The President also called for reconciliation within the party, noting that internal harmony strengthens governance.
Meanwhile, he reminded leaders that political power comes with responsibility to the people.
He described APC leaders as custodians of trust at both national and local levels.
The push for local government autonomy in Nigeria marks a turning point in centre–state relations.
Furthermore, it signals a stronger role for councils in development planning and service delivery. If implemented fully, the policy could reduce long-standing tensions over local government funding.
