Stories by Matthew Denis
The Kwara State chapter of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has applauded the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for introducing a new regulation on Local Government finances.
This is contained in a statement signed by the state President of the Union, Comrade Yusuf Ayinla Salihu and made available to this medium on Tuesday.
The statement stated that the new department which was carved out of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), will not only curb the illegal spending of Local Government fund by the state governors but also to ensure there is financial discipline in the Local Government system across the 774 councils in the country.
” We commend the efforts of Federal Government for this new guidelines and also ready to support its implementation,” the statement said.
It would be recalled that NFIU had on Monday issued a guideline which prevents state governments from making withdrawals from Local Governments’ funds.
The new guideline mandates financial institutions to distribute funds accruable to LGs among the councils of that state and not for other purposes, just as new financial guidelines limit cash transactions in the accounts of Local Governments to a daily maximum of N500, 000.
The statement had read that, ” with effect from June 1, any bank that allows any transaction from any local government account without monies first reaching a particular local government account will be sanctioned 100 per cent, locally and internationally.
“In addition, a provision is also made to the effect that there shall be no cash withdrawal from any local government account for a cumulative amount exceeding N500,000 per day.”
Meanwhile, the Union also called on the incoming administration of the Kwara state Governor-elect, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq to implement the new N30,000 minimum wage to all the categories of workers in the state workforce as directed by the federal government.
It further felicitated with their members during the holy Month of Ramadan while praying that Allah gives them strength and good health .
” We equally implore all our members to observe this fasting along with the required principles and pray fervently for the revival of Local Government system in Kwara State including the payment of salary arrears among others.
” Our members should also remember to pray during the fasting period to seek Allah’s face for the full implementation of the minimum wage and realisation of of Local Government autonomy in the state,” it added.
