Photo credit: Lagosreporters

Key Points from the Amendment of the Lagos State Law on Local Government Administration

The recent amendments to the Lagos State Law on Local Government Administration have sparked various debates across different sectors. Below are the key areas of focus:

Recognition of Local Governments  

   The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria continues to recognize 20 Local Governments (LG) in Lagos State.

Area Administrative Councils

   There are now 37 Area Administrative Councils, previously known as Local Council Development Areas (LCDA). These councils will be headed by Administrative Secretaries appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Functions of Area Administrative Councils

   The councils will have the following duties:  

   a. Carrying out all responsibilities of the Local Government within their jurisdiction.  

   b. Performing duties as assigned by the Law of the House.  

   c. Implementing executive directives from the Governor.

State Joint Local Government Account 

   A special account called the State Joint Local Government Account will be maintained, where all allocations from the Federation account and the State Government will be deposited.

First Charge on Funds

   The following will be a first charge on funds received from the Federation Account for the Local Government Councils in Lagos State:  

   a. Salaries, allowances, and benefits of employees and personnel under the Local Government Service Commission.  

   b. Payments for essential local services, including refuse collection and disposal.

Employment by Area Administrative Councils

   The Area Administrative Councils may employ necessary staff to execute their development programs optimally.

Retention of Rights and Obligations

   The Area Administrative Councils will retain all rights, interests, obligations, and liabilities previously vested in them while operating as Local Government Areas.

Wards Division

   Subject to the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission Act, each Local Government Area will be divided into no fewer than 12 and no more than 40 wards.

Creation of Additional Wards

   The Local Government Council has the power to create more wards and appoint additional councilors to oversee these wards.

Ward Boundaries 

   The boundaries of each ward will be drawn to ensure that the population within each ward is as equal as possible to the population quota.

These amendments provide clarity on where elections will be held, where appointments are expected, and how funds from the Federation Accounts will be disbursed.