The National Action Group (NAG) has praised the House of Representatives for taking a bold legislative step toward grassroots empowerment by passing the second reading of a bill to convert 37 Development Area Councils (DACs) in Lagos State into full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In a statement released in Ilesa, Osun State, and signed by its National Chairman, Apostle Dr. Olusanya Awosan, NAG expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency) and 21 co-sponsors of the bill. The group emphasized that this development marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and Lagos State’s urban governance.
The group lauded the House’s courage and foresight in acknowledging the socio-economic significance of Lagos. With a population of over 20 million and a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, Lagos requires responsive governance to meet the demands of its people, NAG noted.
Apostle Awosan, who also served as former Special Assistant on Public Relations to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, said the bill has the potential to boost democratic participation, enhance service delivery, attract investment, and deepen decision-making at the grassroots. He urged the National Assembly to expedite its passage into law for the benefit of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to follow this legislative development and its wider implications for federalism and local governance reform in the country.
Full Statement from the National Action Group:
NATIONAL ACTION GROUP COMMENDS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON MOVE TO GRANT FULL LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUS TO LAGOS DEVELOPMENT AREAS.
The National Action Group (NAG), a socio-political organization deeply committed to the unity, peace, and sustainable development of Nigeria, applauds the House of Representatives for passing the second reading of the bill seeking to recognize the 37 Development Area Councils (DACs) in Lagos State as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This landmark bill, jointly sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency) and 21 other esteemed lawmakers, represents a significant step towards strengthening local governance and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria’s economic powerhouse. In a statement released in Ilesa Osun State and signed by Dr Olusanya Awosan, National Chairman of the National Action Group and former Special Assistant on Public Relations to Ex President Goodluck Jonathan, the Group described Lagos State as home to over 20 million Nigerians from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a melting pot of cultures, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economic and social fabric. NAG salutes the ingenuity of the House of Representatives in recognizing the strategic importance of Lagos State through the proposed bill that also acknowledges the need for a more robust and responsive local government system to effectively cater to the needs of the country’s burgeoning population. The National Action Group explained that converting the 37 DACs to fully recognized LGAs will enhance grassroots development by bringing governance closer to the people. It will facilitate targeted development initiatives, improved service delivery, and greater accountability at the local level.
In terms of boosting economic growth, it is our considered opinion that the bill through empowering these areas with full LGA status will unlock their economic potentials, attract investments, and stimulate job creation, which will further solidify Lagos’s position as a continental economic hub. The bill when passed to law will strengthen democratic participation. It will deepen democratic engagement by providing a platform for greater citizen participation in local governance and decision-making processes. The National Action Group firmly believes that this bill aligns with the principles of federalism, equity, and good governance. We commend the courage and foresight of the House of Representatives in championing this crucial legislation. We therefore urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of this bill into law, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive Lagos State and, by extension, a stronger Nigeria.
The National Action Group remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this vital reform and the realization of its immense benefits for all Nigerians.
Signed
Apostle Dr Olusanya Awosan
National Chairman
National Action Group
09030743595.
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