The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved  new administrative regulations and guidelines to strengthen governance structures across all local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs). 

These were approved through a resolution of the House at a plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.

Earlier, a report on the regulations and guidelines, presented by Ganiyu Sanni (Kosofe I) on its second allotted date, was extensively deliberated upon by members before its adoption.

Mr Obasa said the approval of these guidelines marked another bold step by the assembly towards strengthening grassroots governance and promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local administration.

He said according to Section 5 of the newly approved guidelines, the executive committee of each local government shall comprise the chairman, vice chairman, Supervisors.

The speaker added that others were the special advisers, secretary to the local government, council manager, council treasurer, and the head of legal unit.

“Section 6 stipulates that any appointment, not recognised by the guidelines, local government bye-laws, or other relevant laws, shall require the express approval of the governor of the state.

“Further clarifying the administrative hierarchy, Section 8 focuses on the Vice Chairman’s role. Subsection 8.1(a) outlines the functions and performance expectations of the Office.

“Section 8.1(b) designates the Vice Chairman as Chairman of the Tenders Board,” he said.

Mr Obasa, referencing Section 15, said the guidelines provided for the establishment of departmental standing committees in each of the departments.

He said these committees were mandated to meet at least twice a month—or as exigencies demand—to recommend departmental projects for the Executive Committee’s consideration and approval.

The speaker said each committee shall consist of the supervisor as chairman, the head of department, sectional head, and a representative of the council manager.

During deliberations, Moshood Aro(Ikorodu 2) described the guidelines as “top-notch,” saying that they were capable of positioning the state as a model for effective local governance in the country.

Mr Aro, however, pointed out that discrepancies in numbering between the main law and the regulation, calling for clarification.

In his comment, Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) raised concerns about the omission of the chief of staff’s role despite its mention in prior discussions, urging the responsible committee to review the matter.

Contributing, Abiodun Orekoya (Shomolu) emphasised the need to harmonise the number of supervisors stated in the guidelines with those provided in the principal law.

Bonu Solomon (Badagry 1) commended the inclusion of 

community policing provisions, describing it as a progressive initiative that would enhance security and create employment opportunities across the state.

 (NAN)