By Parrot Newspaper Reps Approve Bill to Enlist Lagos’ 37 LCDAs
Lagos Set to Gain 57 Full-Fledged LGAs
The House of Representatives has approved a constitutional amendment bill to upgrade Lagos State’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs). If fully enacted, this will increase Lagos’ LGAs from 20 to 57, making it the state with the highest number of local governments in Nigeria.
The bill, part of 42 constitutional amendments passed during plenary, was sponsored by James Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency), Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency), Enitan Badru (Lagos Island I Federal Constituency), and 19 other lawmakers. Officially titled:
“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Accommodate the 37 Development Area Councils of Lagos State as Full-Fledged Local Government Areas, Increasing the Total Number of Local Government Areas in the Federation to 811, and for Related Matters (HB. 1498),”
If passed into law, Nigeria’s total LGAs will rise from 774 to 811, with Lagos surpassing Kano (44 LGAs) and Katsina (34 LGAs).
A Long-Awaited Recognition for Lagos’ LCDAs
Lagos’ struggle for full recognition of its LCDAs dates back to 2003 when then-Governor Bola Tinubu created them to meet the demands of the state’s growing population. However, the federal government refused to recognize them, citing constitutional constraints. While the Supreme Court allowed states to create LCDAs, it ruled that only a constitutional amendment could upgrade them to full LGAs.
For over two decades, Lagos has funded and operated these LCDAs, treating them as de facto local governments. Now, this legislative push seeks to make their status official.
Governance or Political Strategy?
Supporters argue that the bill will decentralize governance, improve service delivery, and enhance local representation in Lagos. With an estimated population of over 20 million, many believe that the existing 20 LGAs are inadequate for efficient administration.
Critics, however, see political motives behind the move. More LGAs mean higher revenue allocation from the Federation Account and stronger federal political influence for Lagos-based politicians. If the bill succeeds, other states with LCDAs—such as Kano, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom—may also push for similar recognition.
What’s Next?
The bill has scaled its second reading in the House of Representatives but still requires Senate approval and endorsement from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before becoming law. Given Lagos’ economic significance and political influence, its chances of success are strong.
If fully implemented, this could set a precedent for other states, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s local government structure. The question remains: will this move genuinely improve governance, or is it a political play for more influence and resources?