The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has launched a nationwide probe into the financial activities and spending patterns of chairmen of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

The exercise is aimed at examining how council funds and monthly allocations have been utilised since the implementation of financial autonomy for local governments.

The investigation is expected to focus on the management of public funds, execution of development projects and compliance with financial regulations by the council administrations.

It also seeks to establish whether the financial independence granted to local governments is translating into improved service delivery and development at the grassroots.

The move comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment of July 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of local government councils and directed that their statutory allocations be paid directly to them.

The apex court had also restrained state governments from controlling funds meant for democratically elected local government administrations.

The EFCC has consistently maintained that financial autonomy does not exempt local government officials from accountability, insisting that public funds must be used for the benefit of the people.

The latest development underscores growing scrutiny of local government finances and the demand for transparency in the management of public resources.