LG autonomy: Kefas presents N100million each to Taraba 16 LGs for 2026 projects

From Nick Yashi, Jalingo

The Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has presented the sum of N1.6Billlion to the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, raising questions about the sincerity of Local Government autonomy under his administration.

In a statement by the State Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barrister. Zainab Usman Jalingo, says the allocation is intended to serve as a developmental catalyst, enabling councils to execute projects that align with the state government’s broader development agenda for 2026.

The statement read: "In a decisive move to deepen grassroots development and strengthen inclusive governance, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has presented ₦100 million cheques to each of the 16 Local Government Chairmen in the state, as part of preparations for the 2026 Kefas Coordinated Projects.

"The presentation underscores the Kefas administration’s commitment to people-centered development, decentralization of governance, and empowering local councils to play a more active role in delivering democratic dividends to citizens at the community level.

"The ₦100 million allocation to each local government is intended to serve as a developmental catalyst, enabling councils to execute projects that align with the state government’s broader development agenda for 2026. The governor reiterated that accountability, transparency, and prudent use of public funds would remain non-negotiable, urging the chairmen to ensure that the resources translate into visible and measurable outcomes for residents".

The statement also adds that the coordinated projects are designed to ensure uniform development across all local government areas, while allowing chairmen the flexibility to prioritize projects that directly impact livelihoods, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth.

According to the Commissioner, the local government chairmen, "expressed profound appreciation to Governor Kefas for what they described as an unprecedented level of trust and support for grassroots administration. They pledged to utilize the funds responsibly and in accordance with the objectives of the coordinated projects, assuring the governor and the people of Taraba State that the initiative would yield tangible benefits".

Governor Kefas is one of the first governors in the country to show commitment in the implementation of last year's Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy. 

He inaugurated the advisory committee on Local Government autonomy, led by a serving lawmaker, Rt. Honourable Abel Peter Diah, which has since submitted its report.