The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the capacity of Local Government Councils to enact effective bye-laws that drive grassroots development.
Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Hon. Richard Bamisile, gave assurance at the opening of a national retreat for local government council chairmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
The retreat, themed “Enhancing Legislative Capacity of Local Government Councils and the Review of the Vertical Revenue Allocation Formula,” was organised in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Bagama & Networks Ltd.
Bamisile said the retreat was designed to enhance the bye-law-making process at the local government level, stressing that legislation at the grassroots must reflect the people’s realities and aspirations.
“To succeed in legislating effectively at the grassroots level, we must work together in unison, leveraging our collective strengths and resources,” he said.
According to him, the sessions will focus on strategies for empowering local governments to create impactful bylaws tailored to their communities’ unique needs.
The lawmaker said, This is essential for promoting accountability, strengthening local governance, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“The strength of our democracy lies not only in our institutions but in our ability to listen, collaborate, and act in the best interest of our communities,” he said.
In his remarks, ALGON President Bello Lawal said ALGON would not relent until local governments were adequately empowered with the resources needed to meet citizens’ expectations in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“I am convinced that the outcomes of this retreat will strengthen intergovernmental relations, deepen legislative harmony, and expand the fiscal space for grassroots governance.
“Together, we shall move closer to the Nigeria of our dreams, where every community enjoys basic services and every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and food security,” he said.
