Anayo Ezugwu 
The Chairman of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Kamal Bayewu, has said the concept of local government autonomy is already well-established in the state.
Speaking at the 2024 joint retreat of the LGSC and the Office of Local Governments, Establishments and Training, Bayewu reaffirmed the critical role of local government autonomy as a driving force behind grassroots development.
Bayewu noted that the concept, which has long been embraced by the state, allows for the efficient allocation of resources to critical areas, ensuring that local authorities can directly address the needs of their communities. This, he explained, has significantly contributed to fostering sustainable development across the state.
He noted that the state’s local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) are already improving the quality of life for residents at the grassroots level through the promotion of sustainable development.
Bayewu further stated that the retreat was essential for the commission to evaluate its past activities, identify areas that need improvement, and make realistic projections for the upcoming year.
He stressed the importance of continuous staff training to ensure that local government employees are aligned with the vision of the state government.
According to him, the leadership of the LGSC has implemented mechanisms to monitor the judicious use of resources within LGAs and LCDAs to meet the expectations of residents while adhering to public service rules and financial regulations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Abosede George, expressed the commission’s commitment to adopting innovations and ensuring that grassroots development is in line with international best practices.
She reiterated that the retreat offered an opportunity to reflect on the peculiar challenges faced by different councils and to devise workable solutions.
