Track LG funds, demand transparency, Natasha urges Kogi Central residents

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Monday called on residents of Kogi Central to demand full transparency from their local government chairmen regarding the use of federal allocations released to councils.

She stressed that citizens must take ownership of governance at the grassroots.

Speaking at a town hall meeting themed “Fixing Kogi Central Senatorial District Together”, Akpoti-Uduaghan said communities should no longer remain in the dark about funds meant for their development.

The event, held at her senatorial office, drew constituents, traditional rulers, civil society actors, and political stakeholders.

“You have the right to question your local government chairmen about the Federal Government allocations given to your LGs.

“These are funds meant for your development, and President Tinubu is very particular about their proper use,” she stated.

The senator also reiterated her commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in the district, promising job placements and linkages to the National Body of Persons with Disabilities for broader empowerment.

She highlighted the Federal Government’s enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, including the five per cent employment quota for PWDs and accessible public buildings.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged citizens, community leaders, and stakeholders to work collectively to deepen accountability, transparency, and inclusive development in Kogi Central.

In Nigeria, federal allocations to local government areas are disbursed monthly through the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

These funds, drawn from oil revenue, taxes, and other national income streams, are intended to finance primary education, rural roads, healthcare centres, sanitation, and other grassroots development projects.

However, concerns over opacity, political interference, and weak oversight have persisted, with many communities often unaware of what their LGs receive or how funds are spent.

The ongoing debate over local government autonomy has further intensified calls for stricter monitoring and transparency.