The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to increase scrutiny over local government activities across Nigeria. This initiative aims to ensure good governance, accountability, and transparency at the grassroots level, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments.
The announcement was made during a national dialogue organized by Agora Policy in Abuja, themed “Enthroning Accountability in Local Government in Nigeria.” Friday Ebelo, representing the EFCC Chairman, emphasized the importance of good governance, highlighting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation as key components. He stressed that these principles must be upheld by capable and development-oriented individuals in local government administrations.

The EFCC’s renewed focus includes a firm commitment to monitoring how local governments manage essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The commission warned against complacency, indicating a shift towards holding local governments accountable for their actions and ensuring that governance positively impacts citizens’ daily lives.
The EFCC’s move signals a robust approach to tackling corruption and mismanagement at the local government level, reinforcing the commission’s role in promoting financial integrity and public trust.