In a significant move aimed at bolstering grassroots democracy and governance in Lagos State, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take decisive action to ensure the financial independence of local government (LG) legislatures. The Assembly specifically urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to develop a robust framework that would enable independent financing for the legislative arms of local government councils across the state. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to strengthen the autonomy of local governance structures, ensuring that the legislative arms of councils are empowered to function independently of executive influence.
The resolution, which was passed during a plenary session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, was the outcome of a motion sponsored by Mr. Ganiu Sanni, the representative of Kosofe Constituency 1. The session, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, saw robust discussions among lawmakers who emphasized the importance of financial autonomy for local government legislatures. In addition to advocating for independent funding, the Assembly also called for enhanced support for council autonomy and the training of councillors in financial management to equip them with the skills needed to manage resources effectively and responsibly.
The Case for Financial Independence
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in his remarks, underscored the critical role that financial independence plays in strengthening grassroots democracy. He noted that the ability of local government legislatures to operate without undue reliance on the executive arm is essential for fostering a balanced and effective governance system at the local level. “Financial independence of local government legislatures is crucial to strengthen grassroots democracy and governance,” Obasa stated, highlighting the need for a clear separation of powers to ensure that councils can carry out their mandates without interference.
Obasa also raised concerns about a troubling trend where former council chairmen continue to exert influence over council accounts even after their tenure has ended. According to the Speaker, some ex-chairmen maintain control through Council Managers and Treasurers, a practice that undermines the integrity of local government administration and stifles the autonomy of the legislative arm. This issue, he argued, highlights the urgent need for a framework that guarantees financial independence for LG legislatures, ensuring that they are not beholden to external actors or former officials.
The Motion: A Call for Reform
The motion, moved by Mr. Ganiu Sanni, was rooted in the recognition of the constitutional role of local government legislatures as key pillars of democratic governance. Sanni pointed out that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria explicitly acknowledges the importance of local government councils as the third tier of government, with responsibilities that include law-making, oversight, and representation of their constituents. However, he noted that the current funding structure, which requires local government legislatures to depend on the executive arm for financial resources, significantly undermines their ability to function effectively.
“This practice undermines the separation of powers and exposes councillors to undue executive influence,” Sanni argued. He explained that the lack of financial autonomy often leaves councillors vulnerable to manipulation by the executive, which can compromise their ability to make independent decisions in the best interest of their constituents. By advocating for a framework that ensures independent financing, Sanni’s motion seeks to address this structural flaw and empower local government legislatures to fulfill their constitutional mandates without fear or favor.
Sanni further emphasized that financial independence would not only enhance the operational capacity of LG legislatures but also promote accountability and transparency in the management of council resources. He called for a system that allows local government legislatures to have direct access to funds allocated for their operations, arguing that such a system would enable them to prioritize projects and initiatives that directly benefit their communities.
Support from Lawmakers
The motion received widespread support from other members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who echoed Sanni’s call for reform and highlighted the broader implications of financial autonomy for grassroots governance. Mr. Solomon Bonu, representing Badagry Constituency 1, commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to strengthen grassroots democracy at the national level. Bonu noted that the president’s initiatives to enhance local government autonomy align with the Assembly’s push for greater independence for LG legislatures in Lagos State. He argued that the state has a unique opportunity to set a precedent for other states by implementing a robust framework for financial autonomy.
Mr. Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1, also lent his voice to the motion, emphasizing that the Assembly’s broader reform efforts would remain incomplete without addressing the issue of LG legislative autonomy. Elliot pointed out that the Lagos State House of Assembly has been at the forefront of legislative reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability in the state. Granting financial autonomy to local government legislatures, he argued, is a logical extension of these efforts and a necessary step toward ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld at all levels of government.
Similarly, Mr. Nureni Akinsanya, another member of the Assembly, stressed that financial autonomy would empower local legislatures to operate responsibly and independently. He noted that the Lagos State House of Assembly has consistently led by example in promoting good governance and accountability, and it is now incumbent upon the state to extend these principles to the local government level. Akinsanya expressed confidence that the proposed framework for independent financing would enable councillors to make decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of their constituents, free from external pressures.
Training and Capacity Building
In addition to advocating for financial autonomy, the Assembly also called for the training of councillors in financial management to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with independent funding. This aspect of the resolution reflects the Assembly’s recognition that autonomy must be accompanied by capacity building to achieve meaningful results. By investing in the training of councillors, the state aims to ensure that local government legislatures have the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively, prioritize projects, and maintain accountability to their constituents.
The emphasis on training also underscores the Assembly’s commitment to promoting sustainable governance at the grassroots level. By equipping councillors with the tools to manage resources responsibly, the state can ensure that the benefits of financial autonomy are fully realized, leading to improved service delivery and development outcomes in local communities.
Legislative Action and Next Steps
To operationalize the resolution, the Lagos State House of Assembly directed its Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to begin work on drafting a self-accounting law for the legislative arms of local government councils. This directive marks a concrete step toward translating the Assembly’s vision into actionable policy. The proposed law is expected to outline the mechanisms for independent financing, including provisions for direct allocation of funds to LG legislatures and safeguards to prevent misuse or mismanagement of resources.
The committee’s work will involve consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, local government officials, and other key actors in the state’s governance ecosystem. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and workable framework that addresses the unique challenges faced by local government legislatures while aligning with the broader objectives of grassroots development and democratic governance.
Broader Implications for Grassroots Governance
The push for financial autonomy for local government legislatures in Lagos State has far-reaching implications for grassroots governance, not only in Lagos but across Nigeria. As the economic and commercial hub of the country, Lagos has often served as a model for other states in terms of governance and policy innovation. By taking the lead on this issue, the state has the opportunity to set a precedent that could inspire similar reforms in other parts of the country.
The resolution also comes at a time when the issue of local government autonomy is gaining significant attention at the national level. Recent efforts by the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, to strengthen the autonomy of local governments have sparked renewed discussions about the role of the third tier of government in Nigeria’s federal system. The Lagos State House of Assembly’s resolution aligns with these efforts and positions the state as a leader in the movement toward greater decentralization and empowerment of local governance structures.
Challenges and Considerations
While the resolution has been widely praised, its implementation will not be without challenges. One key issue is the potential resistance from some local government executives who may view financial autonomy for LG legislatures as a threat to their authority. The Assembly will need to navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure that the proposed framework is embraced by all stakeholders.
Another consideration is the need to balance autonomy with accountability. While financial independence is essential for enabling LG legislatures to function effectively, it must be accompanied by robust mechanisms to prevent mismanagement or abuse of funds. The proposed self-accounting law will need to include clear guidelines on financial reporting, auditing, and oversight to ensure that resources are used responsibly and in the best interest of the public.
Additionally, the training of councillors in financial management will require significant investment in terms of time, resources, and expertise. The state will need to partner with relevant institutions, such as training academies and financial experts, to design and deliver programs that meet the specific needs of local government legislators.
Conclusion
The Lagos State House of Assembly’s resolution to establish an independent funding framework for local government legislatures represents a bold and forward-thinking step toward strengthening grassroots democracy in the state. By addressing the structural barriers that hinder the autonomy of LG legislatures, the Assembly is paving the way for a more balanced, transparent, and effective system of local governance.
The resolution reflects the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the principles of separation of powers, accountability, and good governance at all levels. Through the proposed self-accounting law and the emphasis on capacity building, Lagos State is positioning itself as a leader in the quest for local government reform in Nigeria. As the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development begins its work, all eyes will be on Lagos to see how this ambitious vision is translated into reality, potentially setting a new standard for grassroots governance across the country.
