Lagos Lawmakers Call for Financial Autonomy for Local Government Legislative Arms

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called for financial autonomy for the legislative arms of Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

The resolution was made during plenary on Tuesday, September 16, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The motion, titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” was introduced by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.

Hon. Babatunde emphasized the constitutional role of local legislatures in law-making, oversight, and representation, noting that their effectiveness is undermined without financial independence.

In his contribution, Hon. Obafemi Saheed argued that the 1999 Constitution upholds separation of powers, stressing that granting autonomy to grassroots legislatures would enhance accountability, oversight, and good governance, in line with state and federal practice.

Also supporting the motion, Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, noted that councilors perform similar functions to state legislators but often suffer undue influence from council chairpersons due to financial dependence. He proposed collaborative training programs between the Ministry of Local Government and the Assembly to strengthen local legislative capacity.

Hon. Bonu Solomon commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for instituting direct allocations to local governments, which he said has improved their operations. He insisted that extending financial autonomy to legislative arms would further consolidate good governance.

Similarly, Hon. Aro Moshood maintained that empowering local legislatures is critical for grassroots development, urging Assembly members to observe council sessions to better appreciate the challenges faced by councilors.

The House resolved to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to design a framework for the independent financing of Legislative Councils.

Speaker Obasa echoed the call, noting that the increased allocations to local governments demand stronger checks and balances at the grassroots. He stressed that financial independence would enable councilors to perform oversight duties effectively for the benefit of citizens.

The Assembly further directed the Commissioner for Local Government to prioritize training and capacity-building for councilors in financial management, budgeting, and legislative procedures. Lawmakers also urged the Ministry to initiate a self-accounting law to guarantee financial autonomy for all local government and LCDA legislatures in Lagos State.