The Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kebbi State, Muhammad Ambursa, has warned that several local government councils across the country may face difficulties in paying workers’ salaries without financial support from state governments.
Speaking from his office in Birnin Kebbi, Ambursa, who also chairs the Birnin Kebbi Local Government, addressed concerns regarding the nationwide push for local government autonomy. While he acknowledged the potential benefits of granting autonomy to local councils, he emphasized the financial challenges that some councils are likely to face, particularly those with limited resources.
“The reality is that six local government councils in Kebbi will struggle to pay workers’ salaries without the assistance of the state government,” Ambursa said. “Local government autonomy must be implemented with a clear understanding of these financial constraints.”
The ALGON chairman further explained that discussions at a recent meeting of local government chairmen in Katsina highlighted similar challenges in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, where councils are finding it difficult to meet salary obligations despite the push for greater autonomy.
Ambursa also commended Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Idris, for his efforts to support local governance, particularly in terms of infrastructure development. He praised the governor for allocating funds to all 21 local government councils in Kebbi for the reconstruction of their secretariat buildings. These secretariats have been transformed into modern facilities, reflecting the governor’s commitment to good local governance and development.
“The governor has shown a strong commitment to ensuring the development of local government infrastructure, and these newly renovated secretariats are a testament to that dedication,” Ambursa concluded.
