In June 2024, Ondo State, encompassing 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and with an estimated (2023) population of 5.5 million across 15,500 square kilometers in southwestern Nigeria, received a total allocation of ₦16.85 billion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
This included ₦11.02 billion for the state government and ₦5.84 billion to be distributed among the 18 LGAs.
Among the LGAs, Akure South received the highest allocation of ₦422.81 million, followed by Ilaje with ₦386.76 million and Ondo West with ₦385.90 million.
Ondo East received the smallest amount at ₦243.46 million.
From January to June 2024, Ondo State was credited with ₦65.43 billion, and the LGAs received ₦35.29 billion. This brings the total allocation over six months to over ₦100 billion.
Despite these substantial funds, the state government has faced various developmental challenges, most recent being West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), withholding 2024 examination results for public secondary schools due to outstanding debts.
Comparatively, from June 2023 to May 2024, Ondo State received ₦115.64 billion, marking a 27.3 per cent increase from the previous year’s ₦90.84 billion. During the same period, the LGAs saw a 34.4 per cent increase, with a total allocation of ₦64.06 billion compared to the previous year’s ₦47.66 billion.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for LGAs now mandates that LGAs’ allocations are paid directly to the LGAs’ treasury, thereby making their administrators directly responsible for implementing and managing developmental projects in rural areas – a crucial requirement for the development of the state’s agrarian sector.
It is essential for residents to hold their LGA administrators accountable for ensuring effective development and use of these funds.
For further details on FAAC allocations to other states and local governments, please visit here.
