The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a new set of administrative regulations and guidelines aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and service delivery across all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The approval followed the adoption of a report presented by Mr. Ganiyu Sanni (Kosofe I) during plenary on Monday, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
According to the Speaker, the new regulations mark a significant milestone in deepening grassroots governance, enhancing transparency, and ensuring greater efficiency in local administration.
Key Provisions of the New Guidelines
Under Section 5, the Executive Committee of each local government will comprise the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Supervisors, Special Advisers, Secretary to the Local Government, Council Manager, Council Treasurer, and the Head of Legal Unit.
Section 6 provides that any appointment not recognised by the guidelines, local government bye-laws, or relevant state laws must receive explicit approval from the Governor.
The guidelines also clarify the role of the Vice Chairman under Section 8, which outlines specific duties and expectations of the office. Subsection 8.1(b) designates the Vice Chairman as Chairman of the Tenders Board.
Further, Section 15 mandates the creation of Departmental Standing Committees in each local government department. These committees are required to meet at least twice monthly—or as necessary—to recommend projects for the Executive Committee’s consideration and approval.
Each committee will be composed of the Supervisor (as Chairman), the Head of Department, Sectional Head, and a Representative of the Council Manager.
Lawmakers React
During deliberations, Mr. Moshood Aro (Ikorodu II) described the new framework as “top-notch”, saying it would position Lagos as a national model for effective local governance. However, he called for clarification on minor discrepancies in numbering between the principal law and the new regulations.
Mr. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II) expressed concern over the omission of the Chief of Staff’s role, urging the relevant committee to review the issue to ensure administrative coherence.
On his part, Mr. Abiodun Orekoya (Shomolu) highlighted the need to harmonise the number of supervisors specified in the guidelines with the provisions of the principal law.
Also speaking, Mr. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) commended the inclusion of community policing provisions, describing it as a progressive step that would boost local security and create employment opportunities across the state.
Commitment to Reform
Speaker Obasa reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to continuous reform and oversight of local councils, noting that the new regulations represent a deliberate effort to build a more accountable, transparent, and responsive local government system.
“This approval is another bold step towards strengthening governance at the grassroots and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and responsibly,” Obasa said.