In a landmark decision, the House of Representatives has approved a bill that seeks to elevate Lagos State’s 37 Development Area Councils to fully recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This move will increase the number of LGAs in Lagos from 20 to 57, making it the state with the highest number of local governments in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Babajimi Benson, Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru, and 19 other lawmakers, aims to enhance governance at the grassroots level. It seeks to bring governance closer to the people and improve administrative efficiency in the megacity.
If passed into law, Nigeria’s total number of LGAs will increase from 774 to 811. Lagos will surpass Kano and Katsina states, which currently have 44 and 34 LGAs, respectively.
Observers and analysts have praised the move, describing it as a step towards strengthening Lagos’ capacity to cater to its growing population.
However, the bill still needs to undergo further legislative processes before it can be fully implemented.
If enacted, it will mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s governance structure, particularly for Lagos State, as it seeks greater autonomy and improved service delivery for its residents.