The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved new administrative regulations and guidelines aimed at enhancing governance and efficiency across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The approval was granted during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The report on the guidelines, earlier presented by Hon. Ganiyu Sanni (Kosofe I), was extensively debated by lawmakers before its adoption. Obasa described the move as a significant step toward improving grassroots governance, promoting transparency, and enhancing accountability in local administration.
According to Section 5 of the approved guidelines, the Executive Committee of each local council will include the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Supervisors, Special Advisers, Secretary to the Local Government, Council Manager, Council Treasurer, and Head of Legal Unit.
He added that Section 6 stipulates that any position not recognised by the guidelines, local government by-laws, or relevant laws must receive express approval from the governor.
Further outlining the administrative structure, Obasa said Section 8 clarifies the role of the Vice Chairman. Subsection 8.1(a) details the responsibilities and performance expectations of the office, while subsection 8.1(b) names the Vice Chairman as the Chairman of the Tenders Board.
Referencing Section 15, the Speaker explained that each department in the councils must establish Departmental Standing Committees. These committees are required to meet at least twice monthly—or more frequently if necessary—to recommend projects for approval by the Executive Committee. Each committee will consist of the Supervisor as Chairman, the Head of Department, Sectional Head, and a representative of the Council Manager.
During deliberations, Hon. Moshood Aro (Ikorodu II) praised the guidelines as “top-notch,” stating that they could make Lagos a model for effective local governance nationwide. However, he called attention to inconsistencies in section numbering between the regulations and the principal law.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho II) expressed concern over the omission of the Chief of Staff’s role, despite previous discussions, urging the relevant committee to review the oversight.
Hon. Abiodun Orekoya (Shomolu I) stressed the need to align the number of Supervisors stated in the guidelines with those provided in the main law.
Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) commended the inclusion of community policing measures, describing it as a progressive step that would enhance security and create job opportunities across the state.
