A socio-political organisation, under the aegis of The National Action Group (NAG), has applauded the House of Representatives for passing for 2nd reading a bill seeking to recognize the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs).
National Chairman of the group, Dr. Olusanya Awosan, who is also former Special Assistant (SA) on Public Relations to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, gave this commendation in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen at the weekend, saying that the bill, jointly sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Faleke representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos and 21 others in the Lower Chamber, represents a significant step towards strengthening local governance and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
Awosan, while describing Lagos State as home to over 20 million Nigerians from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a melting pot of cultures, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economic and social fabric, saluted the ingenuity of the House of Representatives in recognizing the strategic importance of the state through the proposed bill which he said also acknowledged the need for a more robust and responsive local government system to effectively cater to the needs of the country’s burgeoning population.
According to him, converting the 37 LCDAs in Lagos to fully recognized LGAs will enhance grassroots development by bringing governance closer to the people, adding: “It will facilitate targeted development initiatives, improved service delivery, and greater accountability at the local level.”
“In terms of boosting economic growth, it is our considered opinion that the bill through empowering these areas with full LGA status will unlock their economic potentials, attract investments, and stimulate job creation, which will further solidify Lagos’ position as a continental economic hub.
“The bill when passed to law will strengthen democratic participation. It will deepen democratic engagement by providing a platform for greater citizen participation in local governance and decision-making processes,” he said.
The former aide to ex-President Jonathan expressed strong belief of his organization that the bill aligned with the principles of federalism, equity, and good governance and further commended “the courage and foresight of the House of Representatives in championing this crucial legislation.”
He, therefore, urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of this bill into law, in order to pace “way for a more prosperous and inclusive Lagos State and, by extension, a stronger Nigeria,” expressing the readiness of NAG led by him “to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this vital reform and the realization of its immense benefits for all Nigerians.”
“The National Action Group firmly believes that this bill aligns with the principles of federalism, equity, and good governance. We commend the courage and foresight of the House of Representatives in championing this crucial legislation.
“We, therefore, urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of this bill into law, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive Lagos State and, by extension, a stronger Nigeria.
“The National Action Group remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this vital reform and the realisation of its immense benefits for all Nigerians,” Dr Awosan stated.
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