The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into law the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.
The bill was passed following deliberations on the report presented by the Joint Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution, as well as Public Accounts.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Eyo Bassey (representing Bakassi), explained that the State Local Government Law of 2007, which was first amended in 2008 and further amended in 2011, had been harmonized and repealed for clarity.
He noted that the bill would introduce significant changes to the third tier of government, enhancing economic development and growth, encouraging broader participation, and improving service delivery at the local government level.
Hon. Bassey further disclosed that the bill elevates the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) to the status of Permanent Secretaries, aligning them with their counterparts in the State Civil Service as a reward for hard work. It also includes financial provisions for the Auditor-General for Local Government to enhance the efficiency of operations.
The amendments include increasing the number of departments in local government from seven to twelve and adjusting the percentage of funds allocated by Local Government Councils to key MDAs for better efficiency. The Vice Chairmen of Councils are now entrusted with responsibilities covering humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary issues, and sports.
The bill also mandates that all appointments into Executive Councils reflect federal character, strengthens the offices of the Secretary of Council and Clerk of the Legislative Council, and provides for statutory appointments, including Ward Relations Officers with the status of Special Assistants for each Council Ward. It further stipulates approved appointments for Leaders and Deputy Leaders of Councils, including a personal Assistant and a Chief Press Secretary, and establishes criteria for the appointment and cessation of office for HOLGAs.
Before the bill’s passage, the House dissolved into the Committee of the Whole, where members reviewed the amendments extensively to ensure they addressed contemporary issues and the needs of rural dwellers. Members expressed satisfaction with the amendments, emphasizing their potential to benefit citizens at the grassroots.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the Joint Committee and all lawmakers for their dedication, which ensured the bill’s speedy passage.
