The Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, has reiterated that local government areas, LGAs, in the state have been operating with full financial and administrative independence, well before the Supreme Court’s judgment in July 2024, which reinforced LG autonomy nationwide.
Speaking on Thursday during the ministerial press briefing commemorating the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, held at Alausa, Ikeja, the commissioner stated that local governments in Lagos enjoy unfettered access to their federal allocations without state government interference.
“The issue of local government autonomy is alien to Lagos State because our local governments receive their funds unhindered,” Robert said. “We do not owe any local government. This is why our LGs outperform those in other states in terms of infrastructure, including roads and healthcare.”
He emphasized that the state government does not tamper with local council finances, and invited independent verification by any interested party.
Robert also provided updates on chieftaincy affairs, revealing that the Sanwo-Olu administration has installed 50 traditional rulers since assuming office, including 17 first-class monarchs.
The list of installed royal figures began with HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom. He added that additional installations are currently in process.
Robert disclosed that the Ministry has disbursed a total of N775.07 million in insurance benefits to the families of 271 deceased staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local government councils.
“In the past year, the Ministry processed 85 approvals for capital projects across LGs and LCDAs. We also disbursed N775,071,226.16 as insurance benefits to 271 beneficiaries of deceased staff who died in active service,” he said.
He further highlighted the Ministry’s regulatory and administrative oversight efforts, which included periodic engagements across the state’s 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
“To ensure due process and proper regulation, the Ministry issued 14 administrative circulars, approved 43 special licenses, 12 church licenses, and supplied 176 marriage certificates to councils for official use,” Robert added.
