The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward restructuring local governance in Lagos by passing a bill for the second reading that seeks to upgrade 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs). If this proposal becomes law, Lagos will grow from 20 to 57 LGAs, increasing the national total from 774 to 811.
A Long-Awaited Push for Recognition
The 37 LCDAs in question were originally created during Bola Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor (1999–2007). However, their establishment led to a major political clash with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who withheld Lagos’ federal allocations in protest, arguing that the LCDAs had no constitutional backing.
Now, lawmakers are working to legitimize these local councils, ensuring they receive federal funding and operate with full legal authority. The bill, co-sponsored by Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency) and 21 other lawmakers, proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to formally recognize the LCDAs as LGAs.
Why This Matters
The proposed upgrade is more than just a political move—it’s a game-changer for governance in Lagos. With an expanding population and increasing urbanization, proponents argue that strengthening local government structureswill improve service delivery, infrastructure development, and grassroots representation.
By granting full LGA status, these councils will have access to federal allocations, allowing them to function more effectively. Supporters of the bill believe this will enhance local administration and ensure resources are better distributed across the state.
What’s Next?
For the bill to become law, it still needs to pass committee review, a third reading, and Senate approval, followed by ratification from state assemblies. While its passage in the House marks significant progress, the proposal still faces constitutional and political hurdles.
If successful, this move could set a precedent for other states looking to restructure their local government frameworks, making Lagos a model for grassroots development.
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