The Igala Youth Council (IYC) and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kogi State have petitioned the Senate President over what they describe as “systematic and unconstitutional diversion” of local government funds through what they call the Lokoja Voucher Scheme.
In the petition dated November 19, 2025, the groups alleged massive discrepancies between federal allocations to the 21 local government areas and the actual amounts spent on salaries and community projects.
The IYC President and Convener, Hon. Engr. Onogu Collins, said their findings reveal “a troubling pattern of underpayment of legitimate local government obligations and the disappearance of huge percentages of statutory allocations.”
According to him, “Our investigation into the allocation and utilization of funds meant for the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State reveals a systematic diversion of funds meant for grassroots development, workers’ welfare, and community advancement.”
Collins noted that a case study of three local government areas exposed alarming gaps: Dekina LGA received over N5.3 billion in 2024 but spent only 21.48 percent on salaries, leaving more than 78 percent unaccounted for; in 2025, January to August allocation stood at N4.8 billion, out of which only 15.75 percent went to salaries while over 84 percent remained unexplained.
“Yagba East LGA received N4.4 billion in 2024 but spent just 23.01 percent on salaries, leaving nearly 77 percent unaccounted for, and in 2025 spent only 17.55 percent of its allocation on salaries while more than 82 percent remained unaccounted for.”
“Adavi LGA received N4.5 billion in 2024 but spent only 23.60 percent on salaries with 76 percent unaccounted for, and in 2025 used just 17.26 percent of its allocation for salary payments while over 82 percent was not explained.”
Describing the situation as a “clear constitutional violation,” Collins said the groups are demanding an immediate and independent audit of all local government allocations, investigations by the National Assembly alongside the EFCC and ICPC, full access to statutory funds for local government chairmen, an end to executive interference, active intervention by traditional rulers, labour unions, youth groups and the media, and full disclosure on how the remaining percentages of allocations were spent. He stated, “We cannot sit idle while funds meant for our people disappear without explanation.”
The petitioners issued a 21-day public notice to the Kogi State Government to comply with constitutional provisions on local government financial autonomy, warning that failure to act will trigger statewide civic action, including peaceful protests, legal intervention and sustained advocacy.
Collins said the petition was submitted “in defence of democracy at the grassroots,” and urged the National Assembly to act swiftly to halt further alleged misuse of public funds.