Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill approving a three-year tenure for elected Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and councillors.
The Assembly’s recent decision also redefines the structure of local governance in Nasarawa by separating the Ministry for Local Government, the Local Government Service Commission, and the Local Government Pension Board from LGA affairs.
The restructuring intends to grant local governments greater autonomy and direct control over their activities, laying the foundation for enhanced operational efficiency.
Under the new law, Nasarawa’s 18 development areas have been reclassified as Area Administrative Councils, these councils will now be led by area administrators rather than overseers.
The governor will appoint each area administrator, along with four additional members per council, with these appointments subject to the approval of the state House of Assembly.
The process is aimed at increasing accountability and responsiveness to local needs, allowing each administrative council to operate with more clearly defined responsibilities.
Speaking on the recent legislative developments, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, elaborated on the importance of the bill, during a House session in Lafia the state capital.
The Assembly reviewed and accepted the report submitted by the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The report focused on a Bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the establishment, structure, composition, finance, and functions of the local government system in Nasarawa State for 2024.
The bill is now scheduled for its third reading on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
