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Local government

Lagos State Government Reiterates Opposition to Local Government Autonomy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Lagos State Government has restated its position that the issue of local government autonomy is not applicable in the state, with Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, asserting that council chairmen have unfettered access to their federal allocations. This stance comes despite a landmark Supreme Court judgment in July 2024 affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria's 774 local government councils. The Lagos State Government has opposed this ruling, resulting in delays in its implementation over the past year. Robert highlighted the state's achievements in local governance, including the installation of 50 traditional rulers, approval of 85 capital projects, and issuance of insurance benefits to 271 beneficiaries. The commissioner emphasized the administration's commitment to strengthening local governance and social welfare across Lagos State.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lagos State Government has reiterated its opposition to local government autonomy, stating that council chairmen have unfettered access to their federal allocations.
  • The state has installed 50 traditional rulers, including 17 first-class Obas, since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration began.
  • The ministry has approved 85 capital projects for local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) in the past year.
  • Insurance benefits worth N775.07 million have been issued to 271 beneficiaries, including families of deceased staff from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government.
  • The ministry has issued 14 circulars regulating council activities, 43 special licences, 12 church licences, and supplied 176 marital documents for conducting marriages within the State's LGAs and LCDAs.
  • The state has provided 80 water and sanitation projects and issued 61 approval letters of state recognition to traditional rulers in the state.
  • The government has launched initiatives to advance agriculture and community development, including training over 2,000 young people and women farmers in aquaculture and digital skills.

Statistics:

  • 50 traditional rulers have been installed, including 17 first-class Obas, since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration began.
  • 85 capital projects have been approved for local governments and LCDAs in the past year.
  • N775.07 million has been issued in insurance benefits to 271 beneficiaries.
  • 14 circulars have been issued regulating council activities.
  • 43 special licences and 12 church licences have been issued by the ministry.
  • 176 marital documents have been supplied for conducting marriages within the State's LGAs and LCDAs.
  • 80 water and sanitation projects have been provided by the ministry.
  • 61 approval letters of state recognition have been issued to traditional rulers in the state.
  • Over 2,000 young people and women farmers are receiving training in aquaculture and digital skills.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (2025)
  • Lagos State Government (2025)
  • Supreme Court Judgment (July 11, 2024)
  • State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government (2025)

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