Reps push for conversion of 37 Lagos LCDAs into LGs.

If the bill successfully passes all legislative stages, Lagos State will see an increase from 20 to 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs), raising the total number of LGAs in Nigeria from 774 to 811.

The 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos were originally created during Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor (1999–2007), a move that led to a standoff with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who responded by withholding federal allocations to the state.

This development could have significant political and administrative implications. What do you think about this proposal—should Lagos have more LGAs?

The bill proposing the conversion of Lagos State’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs) was jointly sponsored by Abiodun Faleke, who represents the Ikeja Federal Constituency, along with 21 other lawmakers.

The bill aims to amend the Constitution to officially recognize the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs). If passed, this would increase Lagos’ LGAs from 20 to 57 and raise the total number of LGAs in Nigeria to 811.

Clause 3 of the bill also proposes changes to the First Schedule, Section 3, Part 1, Item 24, which lists Lagos State’s LGAs, ensuring the legal recognition of the additional councils.

This move could have significant administrative and financial implications. Do you think this expansion would improve governance in Lagos?

Clause 4 of the proposed bill outlines amendments to the First Schedule – Section 3, Part 1, Item 24, expanding the list of Lagos State’s Local Government Areas (LGAs) to include the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). If passed, these LCDAs will gain full constitutional recognition as LGAs, officially increasing Lagos’ LGAs from 20 to 57 and Nigeria’s total from 774 to 811.

The explanatory memorandum clarifies that the bill’s purpose is to integrate these LCDAs into the Nigerian Constitution, giving them the same status and operational capacity as other LGAs.

This move could have wide-ranging governance, financial, and administrative implications. Do you think this expansion would lead to better local governance or create more bureaucratic challenges?