The Supreme Court's decision granting fiscal autonomy to 774 local government areas has sparked mixed reactions. While some stakeholders, like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) president, Muazu Maifata, hail the judgment as a game-changer for rural development, others fear local government chairmen may misuse their newfound freedom or that governors may maintain control through indirect means.

Maifata, however, expressed optimism that the ruling will bring about a "general turnaround" in rural development and urged an increase in monthly allocations to local government councils. He emphasized the need for accountability at the local level, acknowledging that some governors, like those in Lagos, Nasarawa, and Delta, have already demonstrated non-interference in local government funds.