Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that local council autonomy is essential for bringing government and economic development closer to the good people.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, said this during the 2024 Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON) yearly retreat/award in Lagos.

He noted that the retreat’s theme, ‘Local Government Autonomy, Bringing Government and Economic Development Close to the People: A Case Study of Lagos State’, is particularly relevant to the state administration’s vision for grassroots development.

“We believe that local council autonomy is essential for bringing government and economic development closer to the good people of our dear state.

By devolving power and resources to the third-tier of government in Nigeria, we can unlock the potential of our various local councils and create opportunities for sustainable development,” he said.

He said Lagos State is a shining example of what can be achieved when local councils are empowered to take charge of their development.

“From the innovative solutions we have provided to traffic management and waste disposal, to the investments in education and healthcare in tandem with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the state government, Lagos State has demonstrated the impact that effective local governance can have on the lives of citizens,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged the delegates to explore the lessons from Lagos State and other successful examples of local government autonomy by sharing their experiences and insights.

National President of ASELGON, Albert Asipa, commended the state governor for aligning with the association and local council autonomy, noting that the autonomy would drive grassroots development and curtail the insecurity bedeviling every state.