Financial Autonomy for State Assemblies Faces Resistance in Many Nigerian States.
- Only 5 States with Full Financial Autonomy:
The pursuit of full financial autonomy for state houses of assembly in Nigeria encounters resistance in numerous states, with only a handful enjoying a semblance of independence.
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According to a recent report by The Guardian, a majority of state governors, including those in Anambra and Ogun, have reportedly shunned the constitutional amendment that supports full financial autonomy to state houses of assembly.
As it stands, only five states – Lagos, Delta, Plateau, Oyo, and Nasarawa – currently enjoy a semblance of full financial independence. Another twelve have partial autonomy, including Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Enugu, Kogi, Kwara, Bauchi, Ogun, Osun, and Rivers.
However, there are still several states without any shade of financial autonomy. These include Ondo, Katsina, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Ekiti, Abia, and Imo. Others are Bayelsa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Niger, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, and Kaduna.
The struggle for financial autonomy for state houses of assembly, which began in 2010, faces significant challenges, many of which are created by the state governors who seek to maintain control over the legislature.
Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in approximately 20 states recently initiated a nationwide industrial action, following the expiration of the ultimatum for the implementation of financial autonomy by state assemblies across the country.
Usman Mohammed, the National President of PASAN, has called for total financial autonomy for state houses of assembly, emphasizing that the constitution grants autonomy under Section 121. The constitution stipulates that all funds meant for the state legislature and the Judiciary should be transferred to their accounts.
The situation regarding financial autonomy in state houses of assembly remains a crucial issue, affecting the balance of power and governance in Nigeria. As the struggle continues, it will be closely watched by both lawmakers and the public.
List of States in Nigeria and Their Financial Autonomy Status for State Houses of Assembly:
States with Full Financial Autonomy:
1. Lagos
2. Delta
3. Plateau
4. Oyo
5. Nasarawa
States with Partial Autonomy:
6. Adamawa
7. Akwa Ibom
8. Benue
9. Borno
10. Cross River
- Enugu
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Bauchi
- Ogun
- Osun
- Rivers
States without Financial Autonomy:
18. Ondo
19. Katsina
20. Gombe
21. Taraba
22. Yobe
23. Ekiti
24. Abia
25. Imo
26. Bayelsa
27. Anambra
28. Ebonyi
29. Niger
- Bauchi
- Kebbi
- Sokoto
- Zamfara
- Kano
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
These states have varying degrees of financial autonomy for their state houses of assembly, with some enjoying full independence, some having partial autonomy, and others having no financial autonomy at all.
