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The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state’s Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, to clarify the recent Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments. This development was announced during Monday’s plenary session, led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, as lawmakers also moved to hold a second public hearing on the proposed review of the Local Government Administration Law.
Speaker Obasa emphasized that the review aims to enhance the functionality of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and not to dismantle them. “We are not scrapping the LCDAs,” he clarified, addressing concerns raised by constituents. The review seeks to ensure a fair financial relationship between parent local governments and LCDAs in the wake of the court ruling on joint accounts.
Obasa further stressed the need for the National Assembly to formally recognize the LCDAs, noting that larger states like Lagos deserve a greater share of national resources due to their economic significance. He also called for a revision of the revenue-sharing formula to better reflect the state’s contributions.
Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, chairman of the Local Government Committee, requested a second public hearing after stakeholders were unable to attend the first due to bad weather. Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Desmond Elliot echoed the call for stronger collaboration with the National Assembly, urging formal recognition of the LCDAs, citing Lagos’ population and economic impact as justifications for their inclusion as substantive local governments.
