LG autonomy: EFCC probes 774 chairmen’s spending

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is conducting a discreet investigation into the spending habits of Nigeria's 774 local government chairmen since the councils gained financial autonomy, according to The PUNCH. The probe, handled by the commission's zonal directorates, aims to determine whether the councils have been accountable in managing their allocations.

The EFCC is particularly interested in assessing the chairmen's ability to administer public resources and the extent to which financial autonomy has improved service delivery. An EFCC official confirmed that all local government chairmen nationwide are under investigation for their spending. However, sources within the commission revealed that the investigation is taking place discreetly across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The commission seeks to establish whether the councils have demonstrated accountability and managerial competence since the Supreme Court ruling granting them financial autonomy. The investigation aims to compare the state of affairs before and after the autonomy was granted, determining if there has been any development.