Lagos Assembly Seeks Financial Autonomy For Local Governments Legislative Arm

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday deliberated extensively on a motion to grant financial autonomy to the legislative arm of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The House resolved to call on the Governor of the State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to mandate the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to develop a framework for independent funding of Legislative Councils in Lagos State.

The motion, titled “Need to Grant Financial Autonomy to the Legislative Arm of the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the State," was moved by Hon. Ganiyu Sanni Babatunde, (Kosofe 1) Chairman, House Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

He emphasized that the legislative arm at the grassroots remains a vital component of Nigeria’s democratic governance, constitutionally charged with law-making, oversight, and representing the people within their constituencies.

Deliberating on the motion, Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe 2, stated that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, clearly established the principle of separation of powers and autonomy at the local level.

He said that this would strengthen representation, oversight, and independence in line with what is obtainable at both the State and Federal tiers of government, adding that this would further enhance good governance in the grassroots.

Commending the mover of the motion, Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, Ifako Ijaye 1, emphasised that the functions of councilors at the local government level, mirror those of state legislators. 

He lamented that many council leaders are often subjected to undue control by local government chairmen due to financial dependence. 

He further suggested that the training of local government legislative leaders should not be left solely to the Ministry of Local Government but should also involve the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Contributing, Hon. Bonu Solomon, Badagry 1, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for granting financial autonomy to local governments through direct allocation from the federation account, which has already improved their performance. 

He stressed that the same measure must be extended to the legislative arm at the grassroots to ensure accountability and smooth democratic processes.

While Hon. Aro Moshood added that granting autonomy to the local government legislatures was necessary for effective grassroots governance, He however suggested that lawmakers should visit their local governments in order to observe legislative sessions and as well the challenges councilors’ face without autonomy.

Aligning with the views of other members, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, stressed the need for councilor’s to enjoy financial independence in order to effectively discharge their oversight duties. 

Speaker Obasa noted that with the recent increase in allocations to local governments, the legislature at the grassroots must be empowered to ensure proper checks and balances in the interest of the people.

Following the deliberations, the House further resolved to direct the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, to prioritize regular training and capacity building for Councilors’ on financial management, budgeting processes, and legislative best practices; to urge the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to initiate the enactment of a self-accounting law that would guarantee financial autonomy for the legislative arms in all local governments and LCDAs.