•Muhammad Ambursa
The Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Kebbi State Chapter, Muhammad Ambursa, has revealed that some local government councils across the country would struggle to pay workers’ salaries without state government support.
Speaking to journalists in his office in Birnin Kebbi, Ambursa, who also serves as the Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, stated that Kebbi State has not faced significant issues with local government autonomy due to Governor Idris’ commitment to safeguarding the rights and privileges of councils.
Welcoming the nationwide implementation of local government autonomy, he acknowledged its potential benefits but warned of financial challenges for councils with limited resources, reports Channels TV.
“The concern is that six local government councils in Kebbi will struggle to pay workers’ salaries without assistance from the state government,” he explained. “Autonomy must be implemented with sensitivity to these realities.”
He noted that a recent meeting of local government chairmen in Katsina highlighted similar challenges in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, where several councils are grappling with salary payments under autonomy.
He also commended Governor Idris’ commitment to infrastructure development, pointing out that funds have been provided to all 21 local government councils in Kebbi to reconstruct their secretariat buildings.
“These secretariats have been transformed into modern edifices, showcasing the governor’s dedication to good local governance and development,” he concluded.
