Bashir Gambo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Children’s Welfare in Katsina State, announced that local governments in the state are functioning with complete autonomy. He attributed this significant change to recent federal reforms that have enhanced financial allocations to local councils, ensuring they can better meet salary payments and other essential expenses. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of local governments in managing their finances independently.

In an interview, Gambo expressed confidence that local governments would be capable of operating effectively when granted full autonomy. He highlighted the increased funding from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, which distributes revenue based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the naira, have positively impacted the available finances for local governments, allowing them to function optimally.

The commissioner’s remarks raise important questions about the future of local governance in Nigeria, particularly in Katsina State. By highlighting the financial improvements and autonomy, Gambo's statements suggest that with the right economic policies, local governments could indeed operate more effectively, enhancing service delivery to the citizens. However, the long-term implications of these reforms, particularly in regard to maintaining financial stability and accountability at the local level, will need careful assessment as these changes take effect.