Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for the urgent inclusion of the state’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into Nigeria’s Constitution, describing it as a matter of fairness, equity, and justice.
He also renewed his push for the establishment of state police to bolster security at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the opening session of the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held on Friday in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the constitutional review exercise presents an opportunity to address long-standing governance challenges and bring government closer to the people.
“The 37 LCDAs created in 2002 are now well-established and have been delivering democratic dividends for over two decades. Not giving them constitutional recognition is like denying them a birth certificate. It is time to right that wrong,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Citing demographic statistics to support his case, the governor noted that Alimosho Local Government alone has a population of over 1.3 million, comparable to some Nigerian states.
He pointed out the imbalance in local government structures, referencing Kano State’s 44 LGAs and the additional 22 created when Jigawa State was carved out, bringing the total to 77 for the Kano region.
Beyond the LCDA recognition, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the necessity of state police as a tool to safeguard lives and property.
“This is not just about constitutional reform; it’s about protecting Nigerians. The establishment of state police is no longer a matter of debate, it’s a necessity,” he stated.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for facilitating the public hearing in Lagos.
He described the forum as a vital democratic process that allows citizens to shape the laws that govern them.
“As we begin this crucial constitutional review, we must prioritize inclusiveness and ensure every voice is heard. The future of our democracy depends on a legal framework that reflects our collective aspirations,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He assured residents that Lagos State remains committed to good governance and will continue to support all efforts aimed at reforming the nation’s governance structure through inclusive constitutional amendments.
