Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has abolished the joint account system between the state and local governments, a step that aligns with a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating independent financial management for all 774 local governments across Nigeria.
Peter Ahemba, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, shared the development at a press briefing in Lafia on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the decision underscores Governor Sule’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law, noting, “The Governor Sule administration is one of the most accountable and transparent in the country and believes in the rule of law with nothing to hide.”
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With the abolition of the joint account, Nasarawa’s local governments will gain full financial autonomy, allowing them to manage their own funds and budgets independently of state government control.
This move is expected to strengthen local governance by giving local councils greater control over their resources and priorities.
In addition to granting financial autonomy, the state government is also preparing to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000, a measure that Governor Sule had initially planned to roll out in August, including arrears for three months.
However, organized labor unions prioritized the implementation of employee promotions before the new wage, a request Governor Sule honored.
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Now that the promotion process has been completed, Ahemba indicated that discussions on implementing the new wage will commence soon, as the federal government recently provided the necessary template.
The abolition of the joint account system and the planned wage increase represent Governor Sule’s dedication to bolstering local governance and enhancing worker welfare across Nasarawa State.