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Uduaghan wants upward review of FAAC to local government councils

By on April 5, 2013

Delta state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has advocated an upward review of the federal revenue allocation to Local Government Councils.

Dr. Uduaghan, who made the call when the National body of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba yesterday, said this is to help them meet the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots.

According to him, if more funds were allocated to the councils, they would be able to embark on infrastructural projects in the council areas.

He decried the enormous burden the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries was having on the finances of the councils and called for the allocation of more funds from the federation account to enable them meet up with their socio-economic responsibilities.

“If we want the local government councils to succeed in Nigeria, the Federal revenue allocation should be reviewed and more funds given to them to enable the council pay primary school teachers’ salaries and carry out their other developmental needs. It is a big responsibility on the council,” he said.

“Over 80% of Local Government Council funds are expended on the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries. This is not healthy for the development of the council areas. If the councils must continue with this responsibility, then the revenue allocation to Local Government Councils needs to be reviewed upwards or the responsibility should be taken from them to enable the council carry out infrastructural projects and meet the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots.”

Calling on the Secretary to State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay to expedite action on the release of vehicles promised the Union, Dr Uduaghan asked the Ministry of Works to carry out the construction of the road leading to the NULGE suites in Asaba, stating that it was part of his administration’s way of strengthening the bond between the state and NULGE.

The Governor who appreciated the collaboration and unity existing between the National and State Councils of NULGE, commended the state council of NULGE for its continuous support and cooperation with the state government and promised that his administration would continue to be workers’ friendly and deliver dividends of democracy to Deltans.

“I want to thank the National Council of NULGE for the show of love and unity existing between her and the state council. I also thank the state chapter of NULGE for the support they have given so far to this administration and I promise to live up to my responsibility of providing more dividends of democracy to Deltans.”

In his address, the National Deputy President of NULGE, Comrade Jones Ofunne appreciated Uduaghan for his developmental strides.

He thanked the Governor for the rich bond that had existed between the Council and the state government, reminding him of the promises to construct the NULGE Suite Road and provision of vehicles for the National body.