The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take urgent steps to ensure financial autonomy for the legislative arms of local governments across the state.
The lawmakers made this call during plenary on Tuesday, where they urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to prepare a framework that would allow local government legislatures to access funds independently.
This call was part of a motion moved by Hon. Ganiu Sanni, who represents Kosofe Constituency I. The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa stressed the importance of financial autonomy for the grassroots legislative arm, saying it is necessary to strengthen democracy and good governance at the local level. He raised concerns over reports that some former council chairmen still control council funds through loyal council managers and treasurers.
According to the Speaker, in several local governments, outgoing chairmen retain influence by continuing to be signatories to government accounts long after their tenure ends, thereby undermining the authority of newly elected officials.
“This is unacceptable,” Obasa said. “Stakeholders must work together to put an end to this trend. The local government system must be allowed to function freely without undue influence from the executive or past office holders.”
The Speaker emphasized that democracy can only thrive at the grassroots if each arm of government operates independently, especially when it comes to control of funds.
Hon. Sanni, who moved the motion, reminded his colleagues that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria clearly recognizes the legislative arm at the local government level as an essential part of democratic governance.
He explained that local government councillors are not only lawmakers but also play vital roles in oversight and representation. However, he noted that their dependence on the executive arm for funding weakens their effectiveness and compromises their independence.
“This current arrangement undermines the principle of separation of powers. It makes councillors vulnerable to pressure and interference from local government chairmen,” Sanni said.
He urged the House to act quickly to support reforms that will guarantee financial independence for the legislative arms of all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State.
Several lawmakers stood up to support the motion, noting that it was a timely step towards achieving true democracy at the grassroots level.
Hon. Solomon Bonu (Badagry I) praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at strengthening local democracy and urged Lagos to lead the way in showing what effective local governance should look like.
Desmond Elliot (Surulere I) added that any reform agenda by the Assembly would be incomplete without granting autonomy to local councils.
“We’ve been talking about reforming the local government system, but nothing is more crucial than giving them control over their own finances. Only then can we say we are truly empowering them,” Elliot said.
Hon. Nureni Akinsanya also lent his voice to the discussion, saying financial autonomy would make councillors more responsible and accountable in their duties. He added that such independence would improve service delivery and deepen democracy.
“The Lagos Assembly must continue to set an example in good legislative practice, and this motion is a step in the right direction,” Akinsanya said.
Following the robust debate, the House directed its Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to begin work on drafting a self-accounting law. This law will set out clear rules and guidelines to allow local government legislative arms to operate their own budgets and manage their finances independently.
The lawmakers agreed that passing such a law would reduce unnecessary friction between the executive and legislative arms at the council level and promote transparency.
Nigeria operates a three-tier system of government — federal, state, and local. While the Constitution provides for separation of powers, local governments have often been accused of lacking true independence, especially in terms of finance.
Local government councillors in many states, including Lagos, have often complained that they cannot perform their duties properly because they are financially dependent on the executive chairmen.
Stakeholders believe that true reform at the local level must begin with giving each arm of government the freedom to perform its duties without interference — and that includes financial freedom.
