LG Autonomy Will Continue To Drive Grassroots Development – Lagos State Govt

The Chairman, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Hon. Kamal Bayewu has said that the concept of local government autonomy is already well-established in Lagos State, reaffirming its critical role as a driving force behind grassroots development. 

Bayewu noted that the concept, which has long been embraced by the state, allows for the efficient allocation of resources to critical areas, ensuring that local authorities can directly address the needs of their communities. This, he explained, has significantly contributed to fostering sustainable development across the state.

Speaking at the 2024 Joint Retreat of the LGSC and the Office of Local Governments, Establishments, and Training( OLGE&T), He noted that the state’s Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are already improving the quality of life for residents at the grassroots level through the promotion of sustainable development.

Bayewu further stated that the retreat was essential for the Commission to evaluate its past activities, identify areas that need improvement, and make realistic projections for the upcoming year. He stressed the importance of continuous staff training to ensure that local government employees are aligned with the vision of the state government.

According to him, the leadership of the LGSC has implemented mechanisms to monitor the judicious use of resources within LGAs and LCDAs to meet the expectations of residents while adhering to public service rules and financial regulations.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, expressed the Commission’s commitment to adopting innovations and ensuring that grassroots development is in line with international best practices.

Reiterating that the retreat offered an opportunity to reflect on the peculiar challenges faced by different councils and to devise workable solutions. George emphasised that the retreat provides a platform to appraise the past activities of the Commission to provide workable solutions while also ensuring that staff are on track to achieving identified goals.

She further pointed out that the Commission has been proactive in developing strategies to improve service delivery across the state’s local governments. “We are keen on enhancing the capacity of local governments to meet the evolving needs of their communities. This retreat will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, ensuring that local councils are well-positioned to implement innovative policies for the benefit of their residents”, she said.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Governments, Establishments, and Training, Mrs. Bibilomo Olushekun highlighted the critical role of capacity building in ensuring the effectiveness of local government administration.

She noted that the periodic training of local government staff has been instrumental in aligning their operations with the state government’s vision. According to her, these training programmes are designed to equip local government employees with the necessary skills to drive grassroots development efficiently.

Olushekun also underscored the importance of the retreat in fostering collaboration between various local government entities. “Our goal is to ensure that every local government in Lagos State is equipped to handle the demands of their communities while adhering to the highest standards of governance” she stated.