The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria on Thursday – yesterday, March 27 – expressed strong opposition to the proposed bill seeking to convert 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to Local Government Areas (LGAs), which recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
National President of the council, Isah Abubakar, in a statement, described the move as unjust and a significant threat to the principles of equity and fairness in governance.
Isah argued that the creation of new LGAs should not benefit only Lagos State at the expense of other states in the federation.
The council warned that allowing the 37 LCDAs to become LGAs would set a dangerous precedent, leading to increased fragmentation and division within the national structure, and undermining Nigeria’s unity and integrity.
The group called on Nigerian Governors, especially those from Northern Nigeria, to protest against the bill and ensure that policies and legislation reflect the needs and rights of all Nigerians.
“The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria expresses its firm rejection of the proposed bill for the conversion of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into Local Government Areas (LGAs), which recently scaled through the second reading in the House of Representatives. This move is not only unjust but also poses a significant threat to the principles of equity and fairness that must underpin our nation’s governance.
“We believe that the creation of new LGAs should not be a measure that benefits only Lagos State at the expense of other states in the federation. If these 37 LCDAs are allowed to transition into LGAs, it sets a dangerous precedent—inevitably, other LCDAs across the country will demand similar recognition. This could lead to increased fragmentation and division within our national structure, undermining the unity and integrity of Nigeria.
“We call on Nigerian governors, especially those from Northern Nigeria, to protest against this bill. They must stand as guardians of equitable governance, ensuring that any policies or legislation reflect the needs and rights of all Nigerians, not just those in a particular region.
“This council advocates for a fair and comprehensive review of local governance structures across the country. Any discussions around LGA creation should involve concerted dialogue with all stakeholders, ensuring that decisions consider the diverse needs of the entire nation rather than catering to a select few.
“As we move forward, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria remains committed to promoting unity, equity, and fairness in governance. We urge all lawmakers to reconsider the implications of this bill and to work towards the betterment of all Nigerians,” the statement read, in part.
