The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into Law the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.
In the amendment bill, Section 5 (2) provides for the readjustment of percentages of funds expected from the local government councils to key ministries, departments and agencies to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
The House passed the bill after deliberating on the report of its Joint Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution as well as Public Accounts.
Another major section of the principal law that were amended include Section 4 (4) that deals with the increment of departments in local governments from seven to 12.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Eyo Bassey (representing Bakassi) in his presentation, noted that the Local Government Law of 2007, was first amended in 2008 and further amended in 2011.
He added that for the purpose of clarity, these previous amendments had been harmonised and repealed.
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The lawmaker maintained that the bill will facilitate lots of positive changes to the third tier of government, maintaining that it will enhance economic development and growth.
He added that it will also encourage broader and greater participation as well as enhance effective and efficient service delivery at the local governments.
Bassey stated that the bill will make heads of local government administration enjoy the status of permanent secretaries like their counterparts in the state civil service
This is as a reward for hard work while also making financial provisions for the Auditor-General for Local Government to enable him execute his responsibilities efficiently.
The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem expressed appreciation to the members of the joint committee as well as lawmakers for their hard work, which had resulted in the speedy passage of the bill.
