HEDA to monitor implementation of NFIU’s directive on LG funds

An anti-corruption group, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), yesterday said the move by the Nigeria Intelligence Financial Unit (NFIU) to bar state governments from meddling with local government funds would curb institutionalized corruption.

The NFIU had earlier in the week issued fresh guidelines banning banks, public officers and other stakeholders from tampering with statutory allocations of Local Governments from the Federation Account.

HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, in a statement, said the NFIU’s decision was “a milestone in the fight against institutionalized corruption.”

He assured: “We are with you. You have our support. Local Governments are critical to the livelihood of the poorest of the poor most of who live in rural communities. Over the years, state governments have been breathing down the neck of elected Local Government Chairmen to the extent that they have become paper tigers.”