The Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, has declared that local government areas in Lagos State have been operating with complete financial and administrative autonomy, even before the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on local government autonomy in July 2024.

Speaking at the ministerial press briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second anniversary of his second term in office on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja, Robert emphasized that local governments in Lagos enjoy unrestricted access to their federal allocations without interference from the state government.

"The issue of local government autonomy is alien to Lagos State because our local governments receive their funds unhindered," Robert stated. "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."

The commissioner invited independent verification of his claims, asserting that the state government does not tamper with local council finances.

Achievements in Chieftaincy Affairs

Robert also highlighted significant progress in chieftaincy matters under the Sanwo-Olu administration, revealing that 50 traditional rulers have been installed since the governor assumed office, including 17 first-class monarchs. The installations began with HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, with additional installations currently in process.

Support for Families of Deceased Staff

In a demonstration of the administration's commitment to staff welfare, Robert disclosed that the Ministry has disbursed N775.07 million in insurance benefits to families of 271 deceased staff members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local government councils who died while in active service.

"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.

Regulatory Oversight

The commissioner further emphasized the Ministry's regulatory and administrative oversight efforts across Lagos State's 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (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.

These achievements underscore the Lagos State government's commitment to effective local governance and adherence to constitutional provisions regarding local government autonomy, positioning the state as a model for others to emulate in Nigeria's ongoing local government reforms.