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Tag: Lagos Assembly

  • Three-day retreat for Lagos Assembly workers

    Three-day retreat for Lagos Assembly workers

    Lagos State House of Assembly, through its Learning and Development Unit, has begun a three-day retreat for its workers.

    The theme of the programme is: ‘Leading with Purpose: The Power of Humility, Growth Mindset’.

    The retreat, which began on Sunday at Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is designed to be held for members of staff in three  batches, to build leadership capabilities, reinforce core public service values and promote a growth-oriented culture among the assembly’s workforce. The retreat will end on October 8.

    In his opening remarks, the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of staying committed throughout the sessions.

    “I urge everyone here to remain focused and attentive during the lectures,” he said.

    “Lagos State House of Assembly leadership will not hesitate to train and retrain its workers because you are the engine that drives this institution.”

    READ ALSO: How to curb Corruption in Nigeria

    ‎‎The retreat is organised by Trastal Link Training Ltd, in conjunction with HybiTel Limited, both recognised for their expertise in capacity building, leadership training and institutional development.

    ‎‎The training sessions feature respected facilitators and public service veterans, including Mr. Bashir Braimoh, retired permanent secretary, Lagos State Civil Service,

    ‎Mr. Tunji Bakare, retired director in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Hamza Yeside, Deputy Director (Administration & Human Resources), Public Service Office,  Mrs Aderonke Faseru, Creative Director, Manners and Conduct Character Centre among others.

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  • Lagos Assembly wades into Royal Gardens Estate, EKEDC dispute

    Lagos Assembly wades into Royal Gardens Estate, EKEDC dispute

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped into the protracted crisis between residents of Royal Gardens Estate, Ajah, and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), following a petition by the Royal Gardens Residents’ Association (RGERA).

     In a letter signed by the Clerk of the House, B. Onafeko, the Assembly’s Committee on Housing invited RGERA representatives to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja. The session is expected to bring all concerned parties to the table for deliberations on the lingering electricity and governance disputes.

    The crisis, which has rocked the once-model estate for over a year, escalated after EKEDC disconnected the community from the national grid on May 26, 2024. Residents have since been forced to rely on diesel generators and solar alternatives. At the height of the dispute was the controversial bulk metering system imposed on the estate, which residents said violates the Electricity Act of 2023.

    Read Also: LAUTECH working with police to unravel student’s death off-campus – Registrar

    Under the bulk metering arrangement, the estate was billed collectively, leaving individual residents powerless to reconcile their own energy payments with EKEDC. Despite EKEDC’s stated willingness to switch to direct metering, the estate’s developer, Trojan Estates, has resisted the change, fueling allegations of manipulation and abuse of authority.

    Beyond electricity, residents accuse the developer of undermining democratic governance in the estate, imposing decisions without consultation, stifling the residents’ association, and interfering in community projects. Complaints of indiscriminate service charges, power disconnections despite valid payments, and failure to manage sanitation have deepened tensions.

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had earlier attempted to mediate but faced setbacks after Trojan Estates repeatedly failed to attend hearings, instead filing a lawsuit challenging NERC’s authority. The case, brought under Solar Gardens Project Ltd, is currently before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

  • Lagos Assembly orders halt of salaries for unsanctioned appointees

    Lagos Assembly orders halt of salaries for unsanctioned appointees

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the State Accountant General to stop payment of salaries and allowances to government appointees who assumed office without being screened and confirmed.

    It further ordered the State Head of Service to appear before the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to explain why some political appointees took office without statutory approval.

    Raising the issue, Mr. Lukman Olumoh, representing Ajeromi Ifelodun I, lamented that agencies led by unscreened heads often resist oversight, sometimes claiming exemption from Assembly supervision. 

    He described such operations as illegal.

    Supporting the motion, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe of Oshodi-Isolo I, stressed that anyone seeking public office must undergo legislative scrutiny to ensure competence and transparency.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in his remarks, condemned the recurring disregard for legislative authority, warning that the practice undermines governance and due process.

    “It is unnecessary for the Head of Service to continue to ignore the directive of the House of Assembly.

    The House allocates funds to these agencies, yet their heads treat the Assembly with disrespect,” Obasa said.

    The House resolution cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulate that certain public officers appointed by the executive must be confirmed by the legislature before assuming office.

    The House therefore called Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Head Of Service Bode Agoro to withdraw letters of appointment issued to heads of agencies who assumed office without legislative confirmation.

  • Lagos Assembly to back electric vehicle investment

    Lagos Assembly to back electric vehicle investment

    The Lagos State House of Assembly is set to enact a law promoting investment in electric vehicle solutions to strengthen the state’s transportation infrastructure.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa disclosed this on Thursday at a public hearing on the Ibile Energy Corporation Bill, held at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the bill is titled: ‘A Bill for a Law to Establish the Ibile Energy Corporation and for Connected Purposes.’

    NAN recalls that Obasa had, on July 8, referred the bill to the House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources after its second reading.

    Obasa, represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, explained that the initiative would reduce vehicular emissions and promote cleaner air across the state.

    He added that, if passed, the bill would align Lagos with global best practices in sustainable energy and climate action.

    Obasa noted that Section 4, Subsection (h), empowers the corporation to collaborate and invest in companies or consortia.

    He said this would enable participation in oil and gas bid rounds, including marginal field allocations.

    According to him, the move would foster strategic partnerships to strengthen Lagos’ competitive edge in the energy sector.

    The speaker said the bill would replace the Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC) 2015 Law Cap 11, establishing the Ibile Energy Corporation as a state-owned entity.

    He explained that the objective was to enhance the state’s energy sector, following the 1999 Constitution’s Fifth Alteration (No. 16 Act of 2023).

    He added that the constitutional amendment moved energy from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, empowering state legislatures to act.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly moves to establish University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Obasa stressed that, if passed, the bill could transform Lagos’ energy sector, boosting services and management.

    He said the initiative also aligns with global trends of deregulation and privatisation aimed at improving efficiency.

    “The objective of the law is to meet energy demand by investing in oil, gas, coal, renewable energy, and related activities, locally and internationally,” he said.

    He added that the corporation would liaise with federal agencies, private firms, and multinationals to deliver petroleum products to Lagos effectively and at reduced cost.

    It would also invest in downstream activities, including petroleum retailing, tank farm acquisition, and other distribution facilities.

    Chairman of the Committee, Sobour Oluwa, said the public hearing aimed to engage citizens, experts, and stakeholders to examine the strengths, concerns, and opportunities within the bill.

    Oluwa explained that the corporation would be state-owned, with authority to participate in oil and gas activities across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.

    He added that the bill proposed a governance framework, a Board of Directors, a Managing Director, funding mechanisms, and accountability measures such as audits and financial reporting.

    State Commissioner for Energy, Abiodun Ogunleye, said the bill sought to make Ibile Energy more competitive and environmentally responsive.

    Ogunleye described the bill as a bold step towards enhancing Lagos’ role in global energy security and attracting investment.

    He noted that while renewable energy remains under the ministry’s mandate, the corporation would expand opportunities for international partnerships in the sector.

    Ogunleye assured stakeholders that their inputs would strengthen the final law and provide a sound foundation for the corporation.

    He stressed that the long-term priority was ensuring the corporation remained financially stable, with clear governance and competitiveness against private sector operators.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos Assembly pushes for energy transformation with Ibile Energy Corporation bill

    Lagos Assembly pushes for energy transformation with Ibile Energy Corporation bill

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the state’s energy sector by holding a public hearing on the proposed Ibile Energy Corporation Law.

    The bill seeks to empower the corporation to invest in oil and gas, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure, with the aim of boosting the state’s transportation and energy systems.

    Speaking at the hearing on Thursday, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Oluwa Sabur, explained that the law would enable Ibile Energy Corporation to participate in oil and gas bid rounds, including marginal field allocations, while also exploring opportunities in clean energy.

    “This bill before us seeks to establish Ibile Energy Corporation as the state-owned entity with powers to participate in the oil and gas activities across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, while also expanding into renewable energy, clean energy solutions, and electric vehicle infrastructure,” Sabur said.

    He noted that the proposed legislation would replace the Ibile Oil and Gas Law of 2015, broadening its scope and transitioning the entity into a stronger investment vehicle for Lagos State.

    In his keynote address, Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, emphasised that energy remains a vital driver of modern life and economic growth, stressing the Assembly’s resolve to ensure Lagos becomes a leader in energy development.

    Sabur said, “This bill before us seeks to establish Ibile Energy Corporation as the state-owned entity with powers to participate in the oil and gas activities across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.

    “While also expanding into renewable energy, clean energy solutions and electric vehicle infrastructure.

    “The bill wants to replace the Ibile Oil and Gas Law of 2015. And what it intends to do really is to give the Ibile Oil and Gas now to be transitioned into Ibile Energy with more mandate to play in the oil and gas, renewable energy and also other sectors that we think can also play as a state.

    “Because Ibile Energy Corporation is our investment sector in the oil and gas sector, and we are trying to expand the scope and the mandate of that corporation.”

    In his keynote address, the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, said energy remains a vital driver of modern life and economic growth.

    Obasa, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Meranda Mojisola Lasbat, said every individual, household, and enterprise depends, in one way or another, on oil, gas, or alternative sources of energy.

    He said, “The Bill before us is therefore pivotal. Its primary objective is to meet the growing energy demand of our State by strategically investing in oil, gas, and renewable energy activities.

    “With the discovery of oil in commercial quantities within Lagos State, this legislation positions us among global oil-producing entities, while also creating new opportunities to diversify into renewable energy solutions.

    “The benefits are multifaceted. First, revenue generation for the State will receive a significant boost, thereby empowering the government to undertake more life-changing developmental projects.

    “Second, the law will stimulate massive job creation for our people by enabling investment in midstream oil and gas activities—such as gas processing, pipeline deployment, and petrochemical plants.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly, Guangxi People’s Congress seek legislative, investment collaboration

    “These ventures will attract industries, expand employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods across the State.

    “In addition, the corporation envisaged under this Bill will be governed by a Board made up of individuals of proven integrity and expertise in the oil and gas sector. With sound policies and guidelines in place, we are confident that the corporation will be shielded from inefficiency, mismanagement, or corruption.”

    On his part, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, said the bill is a bold step to make oil and gas competitive in the state.

    He said the job of ensuring clean energy is part of the mandate of the ministry. 

    He said Ibile Energy will help the ministry with global businesses.

    He noted that the bill is an article and a memo of incorporation of the company, and that it is a tool to empower the people.

  • Lagos Assembly, Guangxi People’s Congress seek legislative, investment collaboration

    Lagos Assembly, Guangxi People’s Congress seek legislative, investment collaboration

    The Lagos State House of Assembly and the Guangxi People’s Congress of China have expressed readiness to strengthen legislative ties and explore opportunities to boost investments in Lagos State.

    This was disclosed on Monday when a delegation from the Guangxi People’s Congress, led by Vice Chairman of its Standing Committee, Zhang Xiaoqin, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, at the Assembly Complex, Alausa-Ikeja.

    Welcoming the delegation, Obasa highlighted Lagos as a leading investment destination in Africa, with a vibrant economy and a population of over 20 million.

    He encouraged the visitors to explore opportunities beyond tourism, noting existing collaborations such as the Red and Blue Line rail projects executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly moves to establish University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    The Speaker said the Assembly is open to legislative exchanges and partnerships that promote good governance and economic growth.

    In response, Zhang Xiaoqin said the visit aimed to enhance cooperation in trade, economy, tourism, and legislative development.

    He also expressed hope for improved support for Chinese citizens in Lagos and noted that both Guangxi and Lagos share maritime advantages that could be leveraged to grow tourism.

  • Lagos Assembly moves to establish University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Lagos Assembly moves to establish University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has advanced efforts to boost healthcare delivery with the passage of a bill seeking to establish the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

    The bill, which has scaled second reading and was committed to the joint committee on Health and Education, is designed to tackle the shortage of doctors in the state while promoting advanced research in the medical field.

    Speaking during the debate, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya highlighted that the proposed institution would create jobs and expand the pool of medical professionals if signed into law.

    Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II) noted that although presented as an executive bill, the initiative stemmed from the Assembly’s oversight activities under Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly holds public hearing on correctional service bill

    Also contributing, Hon. Femi Saheed emphasized that the state faces a critical manpower gap in healthcare, stressing that the university would bridge this shortage, advance research, and generate revenue for the state. Hon. Jubril Abdulkareem (Agege II) also threw his support behind the proposal.

    Speaker Obasa subsequently referred the bill to the joint committees on Health and Education, with a mandate to report back within three weeks.

    According to Statute 19 of the bill, the proposed university would host Centres for Research and Development to foster innovation and strengthen its academic and professional functions.

  • Lagos Assembly pays tributes to late lawmaker Victor Akande

    Lagos Assembly pays tributes to late lawmaker Victor Akande

    Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday paid tributes to its former member, Hon. Victor Akande, who passed away on July 30, 2025, after a brief illness.

    During plenary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described the late Akande as trustworthy and courageous in handling assignments entrusted to him. 

    He urged lawmakers to prioritize their health, stressing that “health is wealth.”

    The House observed a minute’s silence in his honour, while the Speaker directed the Clerk to send a condolence letter to the bereaved family.

    Hon. Suraj Tijani (Ojo II), who raised the matter under personal explanation, praised Akande as a dedicated member. Similarly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II) recalled that Akande was hardworking and effective as a committee chairman, adding that “we are all debtors to death.” 

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly holds public hearing on correctional service bill

    He commended Speaker Obasa for supporting the late lawmaker during his illness.

    Hon. Akinsanya noted that Akande, popularly known as Lakuna, was a respected and outspoken lawmaker in the 9th Assembly. He prayed for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Also, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi I) expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his gesture towards Akande’s family, while Hon. Abiodun Tobun described the deceased as friendly and committed. 

    Tobun further suggested that the Assembly’s laws be reviewed to cater for members facing health challenges.

    The late Victor Akande served as chairman of the House Committees on LASIEC, Judiciary, and Petition between 2015 and 2023.

  • Lagos Assembly holds public hearing on correctional service bill

    Lagos Assembly holds public hearing on correctional service bill

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday held a public hearing on the Lagos State Correctional Service Bill 2025, a landmark legislative effort aimed at transforming the state’s justice system from punishment-focused to one rooted in reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

    The bill, sponsored by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa seeks to provide a legal framework for both custodial and non-custodial measures to support the reintegration of offenders into society.

    Represented by Hon. Ajani Owolabi at the hearing, Obasa described the bill as a shift away from the outdated prison model toward a modern correctional system anchored in human dignity.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, highlighted Nigeria’s overcrowded correctional facilities and the need for humane treatment of inmates and better reintegration structures.

    He called on the federal government to invest in more correctional facilities and urged society to accept rehabilitated ex-inmates.

    House Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, presented an overview of the bill, which contains 60 sections, including provisions for medical care, legal and family visitation, structured release procedures, and documentation to support post-release reintegration.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly to streamline marriage registration and dissolution laws

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), praised the bill and suggested refining its title to distinguish between inmates in custody and those under correction. He also called for clearer definitions of custodial and non-custodial services.

    Several stakeholders contributed recommendations, including Mahfuz Alabidun of the Inmates Educational Foundation, who called for partnerships with civil society and youth inclusion on correctional boards; and human rights lawyer Yusuf Temilola, who emphasised regulation of oversight bodies and post-release evaluation frameworks.

    Other speakers, including court officials, religious representatives, correctional officers, and rehabilitation advocates, proposed adding transitional programmes, virtual hearings, mental health services, and infrastructure guidelines.

    The hearing concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to move away from punitive justice and adopt a reformative system that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

  • Egbin land dispute: Lagos Assembly adopts committee’s recommendations

    Egbin land dispute: Lagos Assembly adopts committee’s recommendations

    In a bid to resolve the protracted land dispute at Egbin community in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, lawmakers in the House of Assembly have adopted the recommendations of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC in a petition titled: “Petition against his royal majesty, Oba Aderiyomi Akeem Oyebo, for unlawful trespass on Prince Yussuf Obateru Family Land.

    The resolution was reached at the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Oladipupo Ajomale, stated that the committee emphasised the importance of embracing peace and respecting the established traditional authority. Investigations, however, revealed the need for Prince Moshood Yussuf Obateru to immediately cease all baseless allegations and frivolous petitions against the traditional ruler.

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    The committee recommends that Prince Moshood Yussuf Obateru should refrain from any action likely to incite unrest in the community and urged him to recognise and submit to the authority of HRM Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo as the paramount ruler of Egbin Kingdom.

    In the interest of peace and reconciliation, the committee encouraged Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo to engage all aggrieved individuals in the community in a dialogue and reconciliation efforts to foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

    Following the presentation of the report, the House thereafter adopted the recommendations of the Committee as the resolution of the House.