The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly opposed a proposed bill in the National Assembly that seeks to upgrade 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State into full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs). In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, the NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, described the bill as “unjust” and warned that it posed a significant threat to the principles of fairness and equity that should guide Nigeria’s governance.
The bill, which has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, has sparked intense debate nationwide. While supporters of the bill argue that it will help bring governance closer to the people in Lagos State, critics, including the NYCN, are concerned that the bill could create further divisions and increase fragmentation in Nigeria’s political structure.
In his statement, Abubakar explained that the proposal to convert the 37 LCDAs into full LGAs could lead to an imbalance in the country’s federal structure. He argued that if the bill is passed, it could set a dangerous precedent for other states to demand similar recognition for their own LCDAs, which could strain Nigeria’s already complex system of local governance.
The NYCN president emphasized that any attempt to create new LGAs should not benefit only Lagos State, to the detriment of other states in the federation. “We believe that the creation of new LGAs should not be a measure that benefits only Lagos State at the expense of other states in the federation,” he said, adding that such actions could lead to further divisions between regions.
He warned that approving the bill could have long-term consequences for national unity and stability. “If these 37 LCDAs are allowed to transition into LGAs, it sets a dangerous precedent,” Abubakar continued. “Inevitably, other LCDAs across the country will demand similar recognition. This will only exacerbate regional divisions and create further challenges for national governance.”
The NYCN has called for a comprehensive and fair review of the local governance structure across Nigeria, ensuring that any changes are made with careful consideration of the country’s diverse needs. Abubakar also urged Nigerian governors, particularly those from the northern part of the country, to take a stand against the bill in order to protect northern interests.
The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced plans to hold local government elections in 2025. The elections will cover all 20 existing LGAs as well as the 37 LCDAs in Lagos State. However, the current debate centers on whether these LCDAs should be upgraded to full LGAs, a move that would effectively change the local governance landscape in Lagos.
The 37 LCDAs were created during the administration of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu in 2003, as part of efforts to decentralize governance and ensure more effective delivery of services. However, critics have argued that the LCDAs are unnecessary and redundant, while others contend that they have failed to live up to expectations in terms of providing meaningful governance to Lagos residents.
While the Lagos State Government has expressed support for the bill, arguing that it would empower local communities and improve service delivery, opponents, including the NYCN, fear that the move could disrupt the balance of power among Nigeria’s states.
The issue of local government creation and management has been a contentious one in Nigeria for decades. Critics argue that the current local government system, which includes both LGAs and LCDAs, is inefficient and fraught with corruption. They also point to the fact that the allocation of resources and revenue from the federal government often favors larger, more influential states, while smaller states struggle to meet their local governance needs.
Proponents of the bill to upgrade the Lagos LCDAs believe that it will strengthen the administrative capacity of the state and improve governance at the grassroots level. Supporters argue that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of the country’s most populous states, requires a more robust local government system to address the unique challenges faced by its residents. They believe that the creation of full LGAs would allow for better management of resources and improved service delivery.
However, the NYCN insists that the bill is not in the best interest of all Nigerians. They argue that creating new LGAs should not be a politically motivated move that only benefits one state, especially one as influential as Lagos. The council further pointed out that any proposal for changes to the local government structure should involve consultations with all regions and stakeholders, with a focus on fairness and equity.
Abubakar has called on northern governors to join the NYCN in opposing the bill, as he believes that it could have serious implications for the north. He stressed that the bill, if passed, could lead to increased calls for the creation of additional LGAs in the northern region, which would further stretch resources and impact governance.
“Governors from northern Nigeria should protest against this bill. It is crucial that they stand as guardians of equitable governance, ensuring that any policies or legislation reflect the needs and rights of all Nigerians, not just those in a particular region,” Abubakar urged.
He also highlighted that the creation of new LGAs should not be seen as a way to cater to the needs of a select few, but as part of a broader discussion on local governance in Nigeria. “Any discussions around LGA creation should involve concerted dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring that decisions consider the diverse needs of the entire nation rather than catering to a select few,” he said.
