Lagos State’s local governments have long operated with full financial and administrative independence, even before the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision reinforcing local government autonomy nationwide, according to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert.
Speaking on Thursday at the ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of the second anniversary celebrations of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, Robert highlighted that LGs in Lagos have been receiving federal allocations directly without any state interference since the governor assumed office.
“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 also emphasised that the state government does not meddle in LG funds and invited public scrutiny to verify the claim.
Turning to traditional leadership, the commissioner revealed that the Sanwo-Olu administration has installed 50 monarchs to date, including 17 first-class kings, starting with the coronation of Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom. Additional installations are underway.
Robert also shared updates on staff welfare initiatives. He reported that families of deceased staff from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local councils have received a total of N775.07m in insurance payouts.
“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 noted.
To enhance governance, the ministry issued 14 administrative circulars, granted 43 special licences and 12 church licences, and distributed 176 marriage certificates to local councils for official use.
Robert added that his team has conducted strategic visits and meetings across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs to ensure best practices.
He commended Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s dedication to grassroots development, transparent governance, and support for traditional institutions and bereaved families.
