Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the Anambra State Local Government Administration Bill, 2024.
The bill was passed during a plenary session in Awka, following the presentation and consideration of the report by the Joint House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, and the Committee on Judiciary and Justice.
The Speaker, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided during plenary said the bill seeks to clearly define the powers of both the Chairman and Councillors at the local government level, as they relate to the state and local government areas.
He further noted that key sectors such as primary school teachers, primary healthcare, the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), the Local Government Service Commission, and the Pension Board are crucial areas where the local and state governments interface to ensure proper administration at the local government level.
In their submissions, the House Committee Chairman on Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr Patrick Udoba, and the member representing Ogbaru Constituency One, Mr Noble Igwe, emphasized that the bill aims to empower local governments to function more effectively, adding that there is no way to separate local government from the state as they must have joint responsibility.
In a similar development, the Assembly also passed the Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Bill, 2024.
The bill seeks to establish a board that will assist in all aspects of the economy of the state.
The board will also carry the local government areas along in it’s day to day activities and assist the governor to overcome some challenges in the areas of budgets, finances and projects.
