Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing grassroots governance and service delivery across local government areas and local council development areas in the state. This pledge was made at the 2025 Local Government Summit organized by the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of local governments, describing them as the “bedrock of governance and development.” He stressed that grassroots governance must be people-centered, inclusive, and focused on delivering essential services efficiently. The governor also urged participants at the summit to focus on actionable outcomes that will strengthen grassroots governance and instill public confidence in local governments.
A former Chairman of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Babatunde Rotinwa, highlighted the benefits of strengthening grassroots governance, including improved service delivery, enhanced accountability, community development, and revenue generation. Rotinwa also identified challenges affecting local governance, such as inadequate manpower, lack of community participation, and asset mismanagement.
To address these challenges, Rotinwa proposed improved funding mechanisms, accountability mechanisms, community engagement, and infrastructure sustainability. He emphasized that success in grassroots governance requires deliberate decisions and actions, prioritizing empowerment of local authorities to unlock sustainable development and improved service delivery.
The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Kamal Bayewu, described the summit as a significant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovative ideas aimed at repositioning grassroots governance as the cornerstone of sustainable development in Lagos State.
