The Nigerian House of Representatives is making significant strides toward restructuring the country’s local government system by advancing multiple bills aimed at creating new Local Government Areas (LGAs) across several states. These legislative proposals, which have successfully passed their second reading, seek to enhance administrative efficiency and improve grassroots governance.
In an effort to decentralize governance, lawmakers have proposed the creation of new LGAs in Abia, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Zamfara states. The bills, sponsored by various legislators, suggest splitting existing LGAs to ensure better service delivery at the local level.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu is leading the push in Abia State, proposing the division of Bende LGA into Bende North and Bende South. Similarly, in Delta State, Francis Waive has introduced a bill advocating for the establishment of Ughievwen LGA. Enugu lawmakers Paul Nnamchi, Chimaobi Atu, and Nnolim Nnaji have jointly sponsored a bill to create additional LGAs to bolster administrative efficiency.
Meanwhile, in Imo State, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere has presented a bill seeking to establish Ideato West LGA from the existing Ideato LGA. Bello Shinkafi is spearheading a similar move in Zamfara State, where his bill aims to carve out Moriki LGA from the present Zurmi LGA.
For these proposed LGAs to become official, the bills must pass through rigorous legislative scrutiny, gain approval from both chambers of the National Assembly, and secure endorsement from at least two-thirds of state legislatures before being sent to the President for final assent.
In a separate legislative effort, the House of Representatives is also considering a bill that would officially recognize the 37 Local Development Area Councils (LCDAs) in Lagos State as full-fledged LGAs. If approved, this move will increase Lagos’ LGAs from 20 to 57, bringing the total number of local governments in Nigeria from 774 to 811.
The proposal, sponsored by Ikeja Federal Constituency representative Abiodun Faleke and 21 other lawmakers, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to accommodate these additional LGAs. The 37 LCDAs were originally created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor (1999–2007), a decision that led to tensions with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who withheld federal allocations to Lagos in response.
The proposed creation of new LGAs across Nigeria has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that these new administrative units will bring governance closer to the people, promote development, and enhance service delivery. However, some political analysts caution that expanding the number of LGAs could place additional financial strain on state resources.
Political analyst Seyi Adewale warned, “While decentralization is necessary for effective governance, the financial implications of these new LGAs must be carefully examined to avoid overburdening state budgets.”
