The Federal Government acknowledged the need for operational adjustments before implementing the ruling and initially set a three-month period for these changes. However, that period ended in October, and no action has yet been taken.

Orji confirmed in an interview with Punch that the promised direct payments have not yet begun, stating, “It is what everybody is waiting for. It cannot be hidden, and once the payment is made, everyone will be aware.”

Akeem Ambali, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), explained that the delay is due to the lack of approval from President Bola Tinubu for the full implementation of local government financial autonomy. Ambali noted that NULGE had submitted a position paper to an inter-ministerial committee set up to facilitate the Supreme Court’s ruling. The committee, chaired by Senator George Akume, has completed its meetings and submitted a technical report to the president for approval. Ambali emphasized that they are eagerly awaiting the start of implementation.