The National Bureau of Statistics data on the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) released in January shows that the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State received a cumulative N7.88 billion in allocations in September 2024.
The report shows that the highest allocations went to Bauchi LGA with N602.57 million, followed by Ningi LGA at N512.64 million, and Toro LGA receiving N505.84 million.
Alkaleri and Katagum LGAs also received substantial amounts at N488.15 million and N432.75 million, respectively.
On the other end, the lowest allocations went to Bogoro LGA with N280.96 million, Dass LGA with N282.46 million, and Jama’are LGA with N294.42 million.
Despite these allocations, many of these LGAs continue to struggle with poor roads, dilapidated school infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
A major concern with FAAC allocations in Bauchi State and many other states is the opacity surrounding how these funds are spent.
While these funds are intended to drive grassroots development, concerns persist about mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the disconnect between allocations and visible improvements in local communities.
Civil society organizations and experts have repeatedly called for open budgets, but little progress has been made at the closet tier to the people.
Alkaleri LGA, home to the Kolmani oil project, which is expected to start enjoying high revenues when the oil is lifted still lacks well-maintained roads, clean water, and functional hospitals despite receiving N488.15 million.
Katagum LGA, with N432.75 million, still struggles with dilapidated schools and unpaid teacher salaries, while Toro LGA, which received over N500 million, has ongoing reports of rural communities lacking access to potable water.
States Control of LGAs FAAC Funds
WikkiTimes learnt that the Federal Government efforts to grant financial autonomy to the third tier of governments are yet to materialise as January 2025 allocations were still under the firm grip of the state governors.
The joint account system limits the financial independence of LGAs, with allegations that a significant portion of these funds is deducted at the state level before reaching the local governments, leading to inadequate project execution at the grassroots.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 LGs in the country, noting that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.
The seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to manage and withhold LG funds.
However, despite the court ruling, the flow of FAAC funds to LGAs continues to be routed through state government which deny the LGAs the needed resources to operate.
Analysis of data from the FAAC showed that 36 state governments collected over N23 trillion meant for the LGAs in their states, within 16 years.
Analysts maintained that to ensure FAAC allocations translate into tangible development, there is a need for full disclosure of local government expenditures, independent audits to track spending, and stronger community monitoring mechanisms.
They argued that the state governments must allow LGAs more financial autonomy to execute developmental projects without interference.
The mismanagement, lack of transparency, and poor oversight continue to hinder progress in many LGAs across the federation.
 of Bauchi State received a cumulative N7.88 billion in allocations from the FAAC){kind=link}