Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed that all 57 local government areas and local council development areas in the state operate with full financial independence, free from state government interference.
The Supreme Court had, on July 11, 2024, delivered a landmark judgment, affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
Sanwo-Olu, speaking on Friday at the inauguration of projects embarked upon by the immediate-past Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Dele Osinowo, commended the leadership for its commitment to grassroots development and for effectively delivering the dividends of democracy to residents.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting local councils undertaking impactful projects, noting that all 57 local councils in the state enjoy full autonomy.
He said, “Local government areas in Lagos receive their full allocations without interference. What we are witnessing here today is the result of that financial independence.”
He lauded Osinowo for his performance in office, especially in the delivery of key infrastructure and community-oriented projects.
Some of the projects inaugurated included the Otunba Bushura Alebiosu Multipurpose Building, Agboyi Community Primary School, Agboyi-Ketu ICT Hub, Oba Taiwo Adesegun Lamina Sports Centre, and a network of four roads within the council area.
Sanwo-Olu said, “These initiatives are not just structures; they are symbols of what responsive governance looks like at the grassroots.
“As we formally commission these initiatives, let this achievement resound across every corner of Lagos—this administration’s work is ongoing and relentless.
“From Bariga to Badagry, from Ikorodu to Epe, we are steadfastly building a Lagos that delivers and a Lagos that works for all its people.”
He also commended former chairmen across the state for their efforts, urging their successors to build on the legacies left behind.
“Take up the baton and do even more than your soon-to-be predecessors,” he advised the new chairmen.
The governor further appealed to residents to protect and preserve public infrastructure, saying, “Use them well, care for them diligently, and make sure that they remain vibrant centres of your community life for many years to come. I assure you that the government will continue to invest in you and your community.”
In his address, Osinowo described the projects as his “parting gifts” to the people of Agboyi-Ketu after eight years of leadership.
“We are here to show the world that local governments can do it. Local government is the starting point of development.
“We’ve changed the aesthetic of Agboyi-Ketu and placed it on Nigeria’s map. It is now a template for other local councils across the country,” Osinowo declared.
Highlighting the scale of work done under his administration, he said, “The roads we are inaugurating today are over 4.4 kilometres. If we aggregate all our completed road projects, our total infrastructural renewal spans over 70 kilometres. In fact, we have been inaugurating projects almost every two months.”
Osinowo also expressed confidence in his successor, Adetola Abubakar, urging residents to support her administration just as they did his.
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