Lagos Assembly demands financial autonomy for councils

Lagos Assembly has called for financial autonomy for local council legislatures to strengthen grassroots democracy and oversight

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

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

Hon. Babatunde noted that council legislatures play a constitutional role in law-making, oversight and representation, arguing that financial independence would enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Obafemi Saheed stressed that the 1999 Constitution provides for separation of powers and that granting financial autonomy at the local level would strengthen accountability and good governance.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, lamented that many council leaders face undue influence from chairpersons due to financial dependence, and urged collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government and the Assembly to provide training for councilors.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for granting direct federal allocations to local governments, Hon. Bonu Solomon said similar autonomy must extend to legislative councils to safeguard their independence.

Hon. Aro Moshood suggested that state lawmakers should observe local legislative sittings to better understand the challenges councilors face under financial constraints.

Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved to:

Urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to design a framework for council legislative autonomy.
Instruct the Commissioner for Local Government to prioritise training in financial management, budgeting and legislative practices for councilors.
Recommend the enactment of a self-accounting law to secure the financial independence of legislative arms across all LGs and LCDAs in Lagos State.

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Speaker Obasa reiterated that financial independence is crucial to empower councilors to perform oversight effectively, noting that with increased allocations to local governments, stronger grassroots legislatures would enhance checks and balances for the benefit of citizens.