Northern Youths Oppose Lagos LGA Expansion, Call For Nationwide Equity

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed bill that seeks to upgrade 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to full Local Government Areas (LGAs). The youth group decried the move as unfair to other states, warning that it could disrupt governance and create regional disparities.

NYCN Warns Against Regional Imbalance

In a statement released in Kaduna on Thursday, NYCN’s National President, Isah Abubakar, condemned the proposal, emphasizing that such a move could destabilize the country’s governance structure.

“This bill is a direct contradiction to the principles of fairness and equity that should guide national policies,” Abubakar stated.

He cautioned that approving the expansion of LGAs in Lagos without conducting a nationwide review could set a dangerous precedent, leading to similar demands from other states.

“If Lagos is permitted to upgrade these LCDAs, other regions will inevitably push for the same, leading to governance instability,” he warned.

Northern Governors Urged to Oppose the Bill

Abubakar called on Nigerian governors, particularly from the North, to resist the bill to prevent further governance disparities.

“We urge governors from Northern Nigeria to reject this proposal. Governance policies must be based on national interest, not regional favoritism,” he said.

Need for Inclusive Dialogue on LGA Creation

The NYCN also emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultations before making decisions on LGA restructuring. The council insisted that inclusive dialogue should be prioritized to ensure national unity and fairness.

“The restructuring of local governments should involve a nationwide discussion, where all stakeholders have a say in the process,” Abubakar added.

Call for Lawmakers to Rethink the Bill

Reaffirming its commitment to national unity, the NYCN urged lawmakers to critically assess the bill’s long-term implications.

“As we strive for a united and fair Nigeria, we call on all lawmakers to reconsider this bill and work towards policies that benefit all citizens,” Abubakar concluded.

For an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s local government administration, read this World Bank report on local governance.