No More Middlemen: Tinubu Pledges Direct Funding to LGAs in Supreme Court Win”, Demands More Women in APC Caucus”

“No More Middlemen: Tinubu Pledges Direct Funding to LGAs in Supreme Court Win”, Demands More Women in APC Caucus”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance, declaring that funds meant for Local Government Areas (LGAs) will no longer pass through state governments following the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus, President Tinubu described the apex court’s decision as a landmark victory for democracy, accountability, and development at the grassroots level.
End of State Interference in LGA Funds
The President stated unequivocally that the era of “middlemen” controlling local government finances is over, stressing that direct funding to LGAs will enhance service delivery, transparency, and rapid development across Nigeria’s 774 local councils.
“This judgment restores power to the people at the grassroots,” Tinubu said. “Local governments must now take full responsibility for the development of their communities. There will be no excuses.”
He added that the Federal Government will work with relevant institutions to ensure proper monitoring and accountability mechanisms are put in place so that funds released directly to LGAs are judiciously utilized.
Grassroots Development as Economic Strategy
President Tinubu noted that empowering local governments is a critical part of his broader economic and governance reforms, explaining that meaningful national development cannot occur without functional local administrations.
According to him, direct funding will allow LGAs to invest in primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, sanitation, and local economic initiatives that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
Tinubu Demands More Women in APC Leadership
Beyond governance reforms, the President also challenged the APC leadership to deliberately increase the participation of women in the party’s decision-making structures.
Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with the low representation of women in the APC caucus, insisting that women must be given more opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance and party leadership.
“Our women are strong, capable, and politically astute,” he said. “The party must reflect the diversity of the Nigerian people. We need more women at the table where decisions are made.”
Call to Party Leaders
He urged APC leaders at all levels to begin deliberate inclusion of women in party organs, elective positions, and strategic committees, describing gender inclusion as both a moral responsibility and a political necessity.
Political observers believe the President’s dual message — strengthening local government autonomy and promoting gender inclusion — signals a renewed effort to deepen democratic governance and broaden participation within Nigeria’s ruling party.
A Defining Moment
With the Supreme Court judgment now in effect, analysts say the real test lies in implementation, as LGAs prepare to manage funds independently for the first time in years.
As Tinubu’s administration moves to operationalize direct LGA funding while reshaping internal party dynamics, the coming months are expected to redefine grassroots governance and political inclusion in Nigeria.