The Supreme Court has granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments across the country.

The apex court in its pronouncement in a lawsuit filed by the FG against the 36 state governments on Thursday morning, July 11, ordered the FG to henceforth, pay allocation meant for the 774 local government directly to their respective accounts.

The apex court ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGAs in their states, Vanguard reports. It maintained that the “dubious practice” which has gone on for over two decades, was a clear violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In its lead judgment that was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that no House of Assembly of any state has the power to make laws that could, in any manner, interfere with monies meant for the LGAs.

The Supreme Court ordered that forthwith, funds meant for the LGAs must be directly paid to them from the federation account.