News

Lagos Assembly Moves To Replace 37 LCDAs With New Administrative Areas

Published

1 month ago

Oct 18, 2024.

The Lagos State House of Assembly is poised to replace the current 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) with newly established Administrative Areas as part of a proposed bill aimed at enhancing governance and accountability in local administration.

During a public hearing for the “Bill for a Law to Provide for the Local Government System, Establishment, and Administration, and to Consolidate All Laws on Local Government Administration,” Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, represented by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, emphasized that the bill is a key initiative to strengthen local governance.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Obasa explained that the legislation would ensure local governments operate effectively, adhering to the principles of rule of law and separation of powers.

He further noted that the bill outlines the functions of key local government officials, including the chairman, vice-chairman, and legislative council, while establishing 37 new administrative areas to be supervised by appointed area administrative secretaries, pending House approval.

The bill also aligns with the July 11 Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 LGAs, reaffirming that only democratically elected councils can access federal funds.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) will conduct elections for the 20 local government councils as required by the 1999 Constitution.

Lagos Assembly LCDAs

If passed, the bill will repeal the Local Government Administration Law of 2015 and its 2016 amendment, restructuring the responsibilities and funding mechanisms of the new councils, while granting the governor powers to suspend local officials when necessary.