The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has described the Joint Allocation Committee in operation in the country as the greatest problem bedeviling the administration of Local Government in Nigeria.
The National Welfare Officer of NULGE, Comr Tom Abutu made the call while presenting a memorandum on behalf of the NULGE at a two day review/Public hearing on the constitutional amendment by the committee on constitution review Public hearing, North Central Public hearing holding in Lokoja.
The NULGE Welfare Officer decried the Joint Allocation Committee as a factor militating development and the constitutional responsibilities of the Local Government Areas to function effectively.
Comr. Abutu made the presentation on behalf of NULGE in Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, lamented that 70% of revenue reside in the rural areas where the Councils are sitting.
He recommended a revenue sharing formula of 20% for the Federal, 25% to the States, 35% for the Local Government Areas and derivation of 15% as a way out of the crisis hampering development of Local Government Areas.
The National Welfare Officer called for the establishment of anti corruption units in the LG levels to help check corruption, described functional Council administration as a way out of the county’s logjam.
He also called for the establishment of Local Government Police, insisting that if 75% of people reside in the rural areas, establishment of a police board, to be responsible for recruitment, Training, promotion, discipline and recruitment of the LG police would help checking the Challenges of insecurity in the country.
The National Welfare Officer equally advocated for the establishment of Ministry of Agriculture in the Local Government Areas, said 71% of land is located in the local government areas..
He added that the nation’s farmers reside majorly in the rural areas and practice farming in their location, suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture should be ceded to the LGA’s with direct funding from the Federation Account.
On the autonomy of the Local Government Councils, Comr Tom Abutu, said audit of the LG should be done by the Auditor General of the Federation, appointed by the National Assembly.
On the funding of Primary Education, NULGE recommends that Primary Education should be on the first line charge of the Federation Account, called for the abolishment of the state Independent Electoral Commission.
He asked as recommendations that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be allowed to conduct local government Election, pointing out that it would enable people select who governs them.
On the construction of roads, Comr Tom Abutu said 50% of the roads in the country should be ceded to the LG, called for the establishment of a road and maintenance department of the various Local Government Areas.
The Kogi State Chairman of NULGE, Comr Tade Adeyemi led the State Executives to the Constitutional Review Sitting, expressed satisfaction with the submission made on behalf of NULGE.