The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to closely monitor local government expenditures following the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial autonomy to local governments.
At a townhall meeting organized by the Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, titled “Osun Open LG Project,” Hassan Mohammed, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Osun State, outlined the commission’s commitment to enhancing transparency in local government finances. The meeting took place on Monday.
Mohammed emphasized the ICPC’s new role in ensuring accountability by stating, “ICPC will ensure that we remove the opacity around the budget process within the local government and the administration of local government. We will monitor the expenditure of LG more strenuously.” He further highlighted that the commission is setting up a structured platform dedicated to overseeing local government finances in response to the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Adewumi Adeyemi, the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun House of Assembly, assured that the assembly will continue its oversight responsibilities under Section 7 of the constitution to ensure probity in local government administration.
Jare Tiamiyu, the convener of the initiative, explained that the program aims to engage stakeholders in local government administration. He lamented that many residents of Osun State lack knowledge about their local government budgets and finances. The initiative seeks to address this gap by equipping residents with the necessary information to understand and engage with their councils’ financial matters.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance governance and accountability at the local government level, promoting greater transparency and public involvement in local administration.
