LASG HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMEN, CDAs, Others 

In its continued effort to strengthen the synergy between the State Government, Local Governments, and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the Lagos State Government has held a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting with Chairmen of Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) Community Leaders and other relevant stakeholders across the state.

The event, themed “Empowering Voices and Shaping Policies,” was held on Thursday at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening inclusive governance through continuous stakeholder engagement. He stated that engagement remains the lifeblood of participatory democracy, serving as the bridge that connects government with the people to foster trust, accountability, and effective policy co-creation.

He added that engagement is not a one-off activity but a continuous cycle of dialogue, feedback, and collaboration between the State and its citizens. This, he noted, underscores the essence of the event and reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building “A Lagos that listens, learns, and leads,” where citizens’ voices remain central to every policy and development decision.

Dr. Tajudeen further called on participants, including Local Government Chairmen, Local Council Development Area officials, civil society groups, community representatives, and other relevant stakeholders, to view development as a collective responsibility and to embrace constructive dialogue that can inform and guide government actions at the grassroots.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, described the engagement as a vital platform to foster dialogue and cooperation among government agencies, community leaders, and citizens.

Speaking on the theme “Empowering Voices and Shaping Policies,” Engr. Shasore noted that the forum was designed to promote a shared understanding, reduce overlaps in governance, and ensure that government policies reflect the realities and aspirations of the people, particularly at the grassroots level.

She explained that consistent engagement remains key to building trust between the State and Local Councils and reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement to sustaining platforms that encourage public dialogue, enhance feedback mechanisms, and promote the government’s vision of a #Greater Lagos where every voice counts and civic engagement is an integral part of everyday governance.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, represented by the Director of Transport Operations, Engr. Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, commended the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement for the initiative.

He noted that the forum serves as an avenue to gather feedback on government performance and identify areas requiring improvement, which is critical to the State’s overall development.

In response to some concerns raised, especially on touting, he announced the unification of commercial buses beginning from November 17 along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which he reiterated would help eliminate touting in motor parks.

Representing the Chairman, Conference 57, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Oluwa, the Chief of Staff, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, and Hon. Issa Olayinka commended the Office for organising the forum, noting that it will go a long way in helping the populace understand the efforts of Local Government and LCDA Chairmen while improving service delivery at the grassroots.

He further advised that such forums should be held more frequently and on a broader scale, promising that the outcomes of the engagement will be shared with all Local Government Chairmen for deliberation and necessary follow-up actions.

The interactive session provided an avenue for participants to raise vital questions and concerns bordering on governance and service delivery at the grassroots. Issues raised included government responsibilities to the youth and the need for inclusion through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development; inflation and lack of price control in markets; youth employment action plans; connection of rural communities to government for electricity transformers; and conversion of waste to energy resources.

Complaints were raised on double taxation and overlapping radio license fees. Concerns were also expressed on state-local government revenue collection, the need for empowerment programmes for youths and the elderly, tactical measures for policing and installation of CCTV cameras in hotspot areas.

Responding to double taxation, the representative from the Lagos State Land Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Rasheed Olu-Ajayi explained the ongoing efforts to curb multiple taxation.

The other concerns were duly noted for action by relevant officials during the engagement session.

Present at the event were representatives of Local Government and LCDA Chairmen, members of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs), representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Artisans, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and Directors and staff of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement.