Presidential aide says massive allocations to states and LGs mean little without oversight, warns federalism demands local accountability

Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has urged Nigerians to demand strict accountability from state governors, warning that even huge financial allocations will fail to deliver meaningful development without proper oversight.

In a post shared on X, Bwala emphasised that Nigeria’s federal structure does not place governors under the President’s direct control, stressing that responsibility for monitoring state spending lies with local institutions.

“The President is not a prefect to the governors. That is why I talk about federalism,” he stated. “At the centre, whatever the President provides for implementation goes through ministers and the National Assembly, which exercises oversight. At the state level, your House of Assembly must also scrutinise appropriations and hold leaders to account.”

Highlighting the scale of funds flowing to subnational governments, Bwala disclosed that a single local government had already received ₦600 million, with an additional ₦600 million expected within the month. He added that between January and March alone, the same council received a total of ₦2.26 billion.

According to him, such resources, if properly utilised, could significantly improve grassroots development and public welfare. He noted that the funds could revive primary healthcare centres, upgrade public schools, drive infrastructure projects, boost local security efforts, and support employment and empowerment initiatives.

Bwala also pointed out that improved funding could ensure access to essential medicines and more affordable healthcare services for citizens.

He, however, warned that without citizens and state lawmakers holding governors accountable, increased funding would continue to have little or no impact.

“Without accountability at the federated level, even if the President sends $30 billion, we will still be having the same conversation,” Bwala cautioned.