Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro, has canvassed stronger synergy between political leaders and career technocrats in local government administration to enhance service delivery and governance outcomes across the State.
This position emerged during the two-day Strategic Engagement Session for Council Chairmen and Key Officers in the Unified Local Government Service, organised by the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) at Novatel Hotel, Lekki.
The session brought together Council Chairmen, Managers, Treasurers, and other key officers from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LGs/LCDAs) to deliberate on strengthening grassroots governance, financial accountability, and sustainable development.
According to Mrs. Omolase Yeside, Head, Public Affairs, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Pedro emphasised the need for closer collaboration between political leaders and career officers to improve the effectiveness of local governance.
“Political leaders and technocrats must work hand in hand to ensure that policies translate into measurable benefits for citizens,” Omolase quoted Pedro as saying, adding that effective governance thrives on cooperation, integrity, and innovation.
Pedro further urged the councils to develop a comprehensive ICT policy to enhance transparency, digital citizen engagement, and public-private partnerships.
“We must embrace technology and collective accountability as tools for improving service delivery and restoring public trust,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government Administration, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, charged councils to adopt ICT-driven systems for operational efficiency and transparency.
He also advocated mandatory community consultations before implementing local projects to ensure governance reflects people’s aspirations.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Kamal Bayewu, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a dynamic, transparent, and future-ready local government system.
“The local government is the closest tier of government to the people. To remain relevant and impactful, councils must move beyond routine administration to embrace innovation and accountability,” Omolase quoted Bayewu as saying.
Bayewu also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership under the THEMES+ Agenda, which he said has laid a strong foundation for inclusive development across the State’s LGAs and LCDAs.
The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, reviewed ongoing reforms in career development, human resource management, and service delivery models.
She stressed the importance of technology-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration to build a more efficient, disciplined, and citizen-oriented workforce.
“Transparency and accountability must remain non-negotiable principles in all council transactions,” George said, urging Council Managers and Treasurers to lead by example in upholding professionalism and teamwork.
The State Accountant-General, Dr. Abiodun Mustapha, and the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr. Femi Ogunlana, also emphasized the importance of internal control systems, fiscal discipline, and strong audit mechanisms to safeguard public funds and enhance accountability.
Likewise, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, Mrs. Bibilomo Olushekun, presented her office’s performance report, outlining staff training initiatives, merit-based appointments, and loan board management.
She appealed for improved remittance of statutory dues to sustain the State’s continuous capacity-building programmes.
Omolase added that the engagement session provided a platform for peer learning, experience sharing, and critical evaluation of policies toward identifying actionable strategies for more effective grassroots administration.
“The Lagos State Local Government Service Commission remains fully committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and technological innovation to strengthen public trust and service delivery at the local government level,” she affirmed.
