The Ministry of Finance has authorised Chief Administrators in opposition controlled councils to exercise emergency powers for financial transactions on the Public Financial Management (PFM) Smart System.
According to confirmed report, the directive is a significant administrative intervention aimed at preventing the breakdown of basic local services.
The directive, contained in a strongly worded letter dated 1st April 2026 and signed by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, comes amid the ongoing boycott by the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of Parliament and local governance structures.
The letter, addressed to the Minister of Local Government and Cimmunity Affairs, confirms that the Ministry obtained legal clearance from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
A Solicitor-General’s opinion dated 24th March 2026 confirms that Chief Administrators, as “vote controllers and administrative heads of councils,” qualify as “A” signatories on the system.
While Chief Administrators already had the technical capability to upload transactions to the PFM Smart System, part of broader reforms to enhance transparency, real-time reporting, and accountability in local councils, the new measure allows them to authorise transactions only with prior approval from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in the present circumstances.
“These measures will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services in the affected local councils while maintaining the necessary financial controls and oversight mechanisms as prescribed by law,” Minister Bangura said.
On 2nd April 2026, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, through Permanent Secretary, Alusine A. Joaque swiftly forwarded the directive to all Chief Administrators in APC-led councils. The circular urged them to “take necessary actions to necessitate service delivery in their localities.”
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