Lagos lawmakers financial autonomy drive, led by Obasa, seeks budget independence for local government legislators to strengthen grassroots governance

Lagos lawmakers financial autonomy advocacy gained momentum this week as members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, called for independent funding for the legislative arms of Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

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The motion, titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” was introduced during plenary on Tuesday, September 16, by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.

Babatunde underscored the vital role local legislative bodies play in Nigeria’s democratic structure, particularly in oversight, lawmaking, and community representation—duties that require financial independence from executive influence.

Hon. Obafemi Saheed added that aligning local councils with the principle of separation of powers, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, would enhance accountability and governance.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, noted that councilors often experience undue pressure due to their financial dependence on LG chairpersons.

He called for targeted training initiatives, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and the Assembly, to improve their competence.

Hon. Bonu Solomon credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating direct allocations to LGs from the federation account and argued that local legislative arms deserve the same financial independence for effective checks and balances.

Hon. Aro Moshood stressed the importance of empowering grassroots lawmakers, suggesting that State Assembly members should observe council proceedings to understand the challenges faced under the current system.

Following the robust debate, the House resolved to:

Urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to create a framework for independent financing of LG and LCDA legislatures.

Mandate the Ministry to prioritise training in budgeting, financial management, and legislative practices.

Advocate for the enactment of a self-accounting law to secure legal backing for financial autonomy at the local legislative level.

Speaker Obasa, closing the session, emphasised that local lawmakers must be empowered to carry out their constitutional duties effectively.

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He noted that without financial independence, meaningful oversight and governance at the grassroots level would remain out of reach.