The Lagos State Government has reiterated that the issue surrounding the local government autonomy was not applicable in the state.

It said that the council chairmen had unfettered access to their federal allocations.

Mr Bolaji Robert, the  Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, stated this during the Ministerial Press Briefing marking the second year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement on July 11 2024, affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.

The court had granted them the authority to manage their funds, collect revenues, and allocate resources without interference from state governments.

The ruling was hailed as a major step toward strengthening local government independence and improving grassroots governance.

In spite of this, several state governors have opposed the ruling, resulting in delays in its implementation over the past year.

Robert said: “The issue of Local Government autonomy is alien to the government of Lagos State. Our local governments are receiving their funds without hindrance. We do not owe any local government.

“This is why Lagos local governments are ahead of others in terms of roads, healthcare, and infrastructure.

 “Investigations will show that the state has no involvement with local government funds since this administration began.”

On traditional rulers in Lagos, Robert disclosed that since Sanwo-Olu’s administration commenced, 50 Obas had been installed, including 17 first-class.

He highlighted the installation of Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, as a notable example, noting that further appointments were underway.

Also, Robert announced that families of deceased staff from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government have received N775.07 million in insurance benefits to support the bereaved.

“The ministry has continued to engage with council chairmen through periodic meetings and strategic tours across the 57 Councils, promoting adherence to administrative guidelines.”

”In the past year, the Ministry approved 85 capital projects for local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs), and issued N775,071,226.16 as insurance benefits to 271 beneficiaries.

”To ensure due process, the ministry issued 14 circulars regulating council activities, 43 special licences, 12 church licences, and supplied 176 marital documents for conducting marriages within the State’s LGAs and LCDAs.

”These efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance and social welfare across Lagos State, ” he said.

On rural development, the commissioner said the ministry provided 80 water and sanitation projects, while it also issued 61 approval letters of state recognition to traditional rulers in the state.

He also announced a comprehensive plan to significantly advance agriculture and community development through several key initiatives.

The commissioner said that more than 2,000 young people and women farmers were receiving extensive training in aquaculture and digital skills, aimed at empowering them with new capabilities.

Robert said, ”The government is supplying crucial tools and resources to strengthen food production, including land and essential equipment, to two hundred farms.”

He said the initiatives highlight the state’s dedication to fostering economic prosperity, enhancing living standards, and cultivating robust, resilient communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)