Tensions Rise As Lagos Assembly Sets Date For Second Public Hearing On Controversial LG Bill

Tensions Rise As Lagos Assembly Sets Date For Second Public Hearing On Controversial LG Bill

The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced its intention to hold another public hearing to review the Local Government Administration law. According to Naija News, this decision was reached during a session led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on Monday.

The Assembly also summoned the State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, to provide clarity on the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding financial autonomy for local governments……CONTINUE READING 

Speaker Obasa clarified that the review is not intended to dismantle the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) but rather to strengthen their functions. He explained that the aim is to address concerns raised by the Supreme Court judgment, particularly around the joint accounts between Lagos and local governments, ensuring the LCDAs are not disadvantaged.

Obasa acknowledged the need for a second public hearing due to widespread questions about the future of the LCDAs and stressed the importance of collaborating with the National Assembly to formalize the LCDAs’ status.

He referenced Kano State’s division into Jigawa, which now has 27 local governments, to bolster Lagos’ push for recognition of its LCDAs. Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, presented a report on the first hearing, noting that inclement weather had affected stakeholder attendance and requested a second hearing.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale supported the call for a second hearing, noting confusion among the public over whether the government was planning to eliminate the LCDAs. Hon. Desmond Elliot further argued that, given Lagos’ size and economic importance, it should press for formal recognition of its LCDAs, highlighting the disparity with states like Anambra, which has fewer local governments but less economic significance.