In a landmark development for Lagos State, the House of Representatives has passed a bill through its second reading that could drastically reshape the state’s administrative structure. The proposed bill aims to officially recognize the 37 Development Area Councils (LDCAs) of Lagos as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs), a move that would significantly increase the number of LGAs in the state and the country.
If the bill successfully clears further legislative hurdles, Lagos will see its number of Local Government Areas jump from 20 to 57, making it the state with the highest number of LGAs in Nigeria. This would also increase the total number of LGAs in the entire country to 811.
Sponsored by Abiodun Faleke, the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, alongside 21 co-sponsors, this private member bill seeks to amend the Nigerian Constitution to accommodate the 37 LCDAs as full LGAs. The proposed change, if approved, would directly impact the First Schedule, Section 3, Part 1, Item 24, which currently lists Lagos’ existing 20 LGAs.
In his presentation, Faleke highlighted that this transformation would not only provide a more equitable representation for Lagos’ rapidly growing population but also bring administrative resources closer to communities. The bill outlines specific changes to the constitutional provisions, including the addition of new councils such as Agbado, Oke-Odo, Ayobo-Ipaja, and many others, creating a more comprehensive and accessible local governance framework.
The restructuring of these councils into full-fledged LGAs would allow for greater autonomy and the distribution of resources, providing a more responsive government structure for residents. The bill’s proponents argue that this move will help address local issues more effectively, foster development, and enhance governance in one of Africa’s most populous cities.
As the bill advances, all eyes are now on the next steps in the legislative process to determine whether this ambitious proposal will become a reality. If successful, this reform could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to expand local governance structures and strengthen their communities.
