By :Comrade Irikefe Evwibovwe ( The Afrika Market Nigeria Political Correspondent )
In a bid to address the administrative, governance structure and service delivery processes and procedure in Local Governments in the State, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated a 20-man Committee on Reformation of Local Government Administration.
Speaking today at the inauguration, the Head of Service [HOS], Mrs. Folashade Jaji, stated that the inauguration was a further demonstration of the commitment of the current administration to reposition the Public Service, particularly the Local Government for socio economic development and also entrench corporate governance in the State.
She stated that the Local Government as the third tier of Government, remains the closest to the people and as the first point of contact, it directly determines the what, when and how citizens benefit and enjoy the dividends of democracy through quality service delivery and also provide the basis for the assessment of the Government’s programmes and performance.
While decrying the inability of Local Governments to effectively meet their expected responsibilities, the HOS stressed that the State Government is determined opined to address these lapses within the shortest possible time, adding that the State Government move would produce a stronger and more efficient Local Government administrative system that has greater ability to deliver the quantum and quality of services required in an emerging megacity like Lagos.
She recalled that the State Government in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) through its States Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC) programme embarked on reforms of the State Public Service for better service delivery, stressing the need to cascade the reforms to the Local Government level for even development and synergy in governance.
Commenting on the Committee which she described as very imperative, Mrs. Jaji said, it comprises carefully selected Administrators and other professionals who have had the privilege and experience of working in the mainstream Civil Service and the Local Government Service.
The Committee, which is headed by a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nurudeen Ojora Adejiyan, is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within two weeks.
The terms of reference of the committee include to examining the structure and current practice of Local Government Administration and factors militating against optimum performance and quality service delivery, examine modalities for instituting inert-service exchange of staff, knowledge and skills between the State and Local Government Services.
Others are to examine the modalities for the establishment of an institutionalized Human Resource Capacity Development and Management Policy for Local Government in Lagos State and other recommendations that would assist in enhancing service delivery in Local Government Administration in Lagos State.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman gave the assurance that they would work hard to ensure the delivery of the assignment within the stipulated time.
He described the setting up of the Committee as a step in the right direction, a watershed in the anal of democratic governance in the state and a message to the people that this administration, more than before, is set to serve them.
Other members of the committee are; Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lateef Abari (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Community Affairs); Mrs. Regina Obasa, (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources); Mr. Adewalu Ashimi, (Permanent Secretary, Local Government Establishments & Pensions), Alhaji Waliu Onibon (retired Permanent Secretary) and Engr. Naheem Sahid (retired Permanent Secretary).
Others are; Mr. Fatai Lasisi (Commissioner I, Audit Service Commission), Mr. Ola Oresanya, (Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority); Mr.Fatai Oluwole (Former Director, Local Government Administration); Mrs. Samiat Mumuney, ( Former Director, Administration); Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Oyekan (retd. Director, Ministry of Health); Mrs. Olusegun Osifeko (Director, Local Government Administration, Ministry of Local Govt & Community Affairs); and Mrs. Ade Adeyemo (Executive Secretary, Law Reform Commission).
It also include Mr. O.M Williams, (Council Manager, Otto Awori LCDA), Mr. Rafiu Fashola (Council Manager, Odi-Olowo LCDA); Mrs. B.I Akinsanya (Council Manager, Surulere LG); Mr. Rufus Shokoya (Council Manager, Eti-Osa LG); Mr. L.A Akinsanya (NULGE Chairman, Lagos State) and Mrs. A.O Odukoya (Primary Healthcare Board).
FRENCH VERSION
