From Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
Governor Abdullahi Sule has formally signed the Nasarawa State Local Government Law 2024, recently approved by the State House of Assembly.
The signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Lafia, saw the governor express his gratitude to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, and other lawmakers for their dedication in advancing the bill.
Governor Sule praised the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders whose contributions were instrumental in bringing the law into effect.
He emphasized that this milestone marks a critical step toward strengthening the autonomy and efficiency of local governance in Nasarawa State.
Significantly, the new law abolishes the local government joint account system, in line with the Supreme Court’s mandate for financial autonomy in local government administration nationwide. This change, Governor Sule noted, is designed to enhance transparency and accountability across the third tier of government.
The law also calls for the creation of Area Administrative Councils, which will be appointed by the governor and undergo screening by the State Assembly. These councils will receive funding directly from the state government to support their operations.
In addition, Governor Sule announced that plans are underway to establish the Nasarawa State Economic Council, which will serve as a vital framework for coordinating economic policies within the state.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, speaking at the event, confirmed that the law had been passed on October 31, 2024, after following all procedural requirements, including adherence to the Supreme Court’s financial autonomy ruling.
Barrister Labaran Magaji, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, highlighted the thorough legal review the law underwent to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives, affirming that it aligns with national guidelines for local government autonomy.
