House of Representatives has assured that it will continue to support efforts aimed at building the legislative capacity of Local Government Councils across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that this assurance was given by the Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Richard Bamisile, during the opening of a national retreat 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 partnership with Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Bagama & Networks Ltd.
Bamisile explained that the gathering was meant to improve the bye-law-making process at the local government level, noting that laws at the grassroots should reflect the people’s true needs.
The legislator said, “To succeed in legislating effectively at the grassroots level, we must work together in unison, leveraging our collective strengths and resources.”
He further highlighted that discussions at the retreat would focus on strategies to empower councils to create bylaws that directly impact their communities, while also addressing accountability and fair resource distribution.
He added: “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.”
On his part, ALGON President, Mr. Bello Lawal, emphasised the importance of giving local governments a stronger voice in Nigeria’s fiscal system.
He assured that ALGON remains committed to securing the resources local councils need to serve citizens effectively.
Lawal said, “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.”
Lawal described the retreat not just as a training exercise but as a renewed pledge to improve grassroots governance, urging participants to contribute boldly and responsibly to the deliberations.
