ALGON Chairman: Some LGAs May Struggle to Pay Salaries Without State Help

Muhammad Ambursa, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kebbi State Chapter, has raised concerns that several local government councils across the country may face difficulties in paying workers’ salaries without assistance from their respective state governments.

Speaking to newsmen in his office on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, Ambursa, who also serves as the Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, emphasized that while Kebbi State has not encountered major issues with local government autonomy due to Governor Idris’s commitment to supporting councils, other states could experience challenges.

He pointed out that, specifically in Kebbi, six local government councils may struggle to meet salary obligations without external support. Ambursa explained, “Autonomy must be implemented with sensitivity to these realities,” acknowledging the financial hurdles many councils face due to limited resources.

He also shared that a recent gathering of local government chairmen in Katsina highlighted similar issues faced by councils in Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, where financial challenges under local government autonomy are becoming apparent.

Despite these concerns, Ambursa praised Governor Idris’s dedication to improving infrastructure in Kebbi, noting that funds have been allocated to all 21 local government councils in the state to rebuild their secretariat buildings. These modernized facilities reflect the governor’s commitment to fostering effective local governance and development in Kebbi State.