Lagos Speaker affirms continued existence of LCDAs amid LG law amendments

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has reassured residents that the 37 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state are here to stay, despite ongoing discussions surrounding amendments to local government law.

The assertion was made during a public hearing on the proposed bill aimed at enhancing the administration of local governments in Lagos.

Represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Obasa emphasized the importance of the LCDAs during the hearing held on Thursday. “The LCDAs have come to stay, and they would remain so by the special grace of God. Nobody is killing the LCDAs. We are here to discuss how to best align with the Supreme Court judgment regarding their establishment,” he stated.

The Speaker called on Lagosians to advocate for the recognition of the LCDAs at the national level, urging local representatives to lobby for constitutional inclusion of these administrative units. “Did we follow the right path in creating the LCDAs? The answer is yes. Now is the time for every Lagosian to protect the LCDAs,” he added.

Highlighting the objectives of the proposed legislation, Obasa mentioned that it seeks to consolidate existing laws on local government administration and establish a clear framework for effective governance. The bill also proposes a four-year tenure for elected local government officials, aiming to eliminate past ambiguities regarding their terms.

Among the provisions discussed were guidelines for asset declaration, procedures for nominating and removing chairmen, and the roles of local government supervisors. Notably, Section 4(3) of the bill confirms the existence of the 37 LCDAs, affirming their operational status in the state’s governance structure.

The public hearing included contributions from various stakeholders, including Lagos-based lawyer Muiz Banire (SAN), who identified certain clauses that may require additional scrutiny. Banire raised concerns about the state government’s oversight of local councils, suggesting that the Ministry of Local Government should no longer issue guidelines for local governance.

Counterarguments were presented by former Deputy Speaker Hon. Kolawole Taiwo and Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso, who stressed that the constitution empowers the state assembly to create and maintain local governments. They argued that the Supreme Court recognizes the LCDAs, which are vital for local administration.

In support of the LCDAs, community representative Imam Ibrahim Tijani expressed the need for their continued existence, while stakeholder Ajose Agbejoye recommended that elections for local councils be scheduled six months before the expiration of current terms to streamline the electoral process.