The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC) said it is commencing immediate monitoring of the 774 local governments’ funds utilisation following the federal government’s conclusion of plans to disburse funds directly to the local governments
ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu disclosed this during the launch of the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (ACPP-LG) in Abuja on Thursday.
Adamu said the initiative aims to detect and prevent the misuse of public funds, ensuring that resources allocated for national development are judiciously managed.
The program is designed to eliminate financial leakages, curb corrupt practices, ensure compliance with governance standards, and promote efficient, corruption-free service delivery at the grassroots level.
Over the years, the ICPC has actively engaged grassroots communities through various local government programs and initiatives. The efforts have not only served as educational and awareness platforms but have also empowered citizens to identify and report corrupt practices.
The launch of the ACPP-LG reinforces the ICPC’s ongoing commitment to fostering integrity, accountability, and transparency in local governance.
The federal government announced on January 2, 2025, that local councils across Nigeria would start to receive direct allocations from the Federation Account, following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, which granted financial independence to local governments.
It added that the reform is aimed at eliminating delays in fund disbursement and granting local governments timely access to resources, enabling them to fulfil their constitutional mandates.
It, however, cited that resistance from state governors has continued to pose challenges to the implementation of this autonomy.
