The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited Attorney-General Lawal Pedro to provide an interpretation of the recent Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments. The move comes as lawmakers grapple with the implications of the ruling and its potential impact on the state’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
During a sitting on Monday, presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Assembly also resolved to hold a second public hearing on a bill aimed at reviewing the Local Government Administration Law of the state. The proposed review, according to Speaker Obasa, is intended to strengthen, not scrap, the LCDAs.
I agree on the need for us to schedule a second allotted day for the public hearing,” the Speaker said, addressing concerns from constituents. “We are not scrapping the LCDAs. What we are trying to do is examine the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the Lagos and local governments’ joint account and ensure a system where both parent local governments and the LCDAs can work together without the LCDAs being short-changed.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which upheld the constitutional right of local governments to financial autonomy, has raised questions about the future of Lagos State’s LCDAs. Created in 2003 to bring governance closer to the people, the LCDAs have been operating alongside the constitutionally recognized 20 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
However, the Supreme Court’s judgment has cast doubt on the legality of the LCDAs, as they are not formally recognized by the National Assembly. This has led to concerns among residents and stakeholders about the potential scrapping of these entities, which have become an integral part of local governance in Lagos.
To address these concerns, the Lagos Assembly has invited Attorney-General Pedro to provide clarity on the implications of the Supreme Court ruling for the state’s local government structure. The lawmakers hope that his interpretation will guide their efforts to review the Local Government Administration Law and ensure that the LCDAs can continue to function effectively alongside the constitutionally recognized LGAs.
Speaker Obasa further emphasized the need for formal recognition of the LCDAs by the National Assembly. He cited examples such as Kano State, which has 44 local governments, and Jigawa, a state created from Kano, which has 27.
“Anambra State has 21 local governments, yet it is nowhere near Lagos in terms of resources, economic significance, and delivery of democratic dividends,” Hon. Desmond Elliot added, stressing the need for further action on the issue.
The Speaker also suggested a review of the revenue-sharing formula by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to better reflect the contribution of larger states like Lagos. This, he argued, would ensure that the state has the resources necessary to support its local government structure and deliver essential services to its residents.
During the session, Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, reported that many stakeholders had been unable to attend the earlier public hearing due to inclement weather and requested the approval of a second hearing date. This request was supported by Hon. Ladi Ajomale, who noted that confusion among the public had led to concerns about the potential elimination of certain local government entities.
Ajomale called for stronger collaboration with the National Assembly to make the case for officially listing the LCDAs as substantive local governments. This, he argued, would provide greater clarity and stability for the state’s local government structure and ensure that the LCDAs can continue to play their vital role in bringing governance closer to the people.
As the Lagos Assembly awaits Attorney-General Pedro’s interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling, the fate of the state’s LCDAs hangs in the balance. While the lawmakers have made it clear that their intention is to strengthen, not scrap, these entities, the lack of formal recognition by the National Assembly remains a significant hurdle.
The proposed second public hearing on the Local Government Administration Law will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to the ongoing debate. It will also allow the Assembly to gather valuable input as it works to craft a legal framework that ensures the effective functioning of both the constitutionally recognized LGAs and the LCDAs.
As Lagos State navigates this complex issue, the importance of local governance in meeting the needs of its growing population cannot be overstated. With over 20 million residents, the state relies on a robust and responsive local government structure to deliver essential services and drive economic growth.
The Lagos Assembly’s efforts to seek clarity on the Supreme Court ruling and strengthen the LCDAs demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that this structure remains effective and accountable. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth, a strong and stable local government system will be essential to building a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Lagosians.
