The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has rejected the proposed bill to convert 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) into local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos State.

In a statement on Thursday, the national president of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, described the proposed bill as unfair and a threat to national unity.

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, passed for a second reading a bill seeking to recognise the 37 LCDAs of Lagos State as full-fledged LGAs.

If the proposal scales the legislative hurdle, Lagos State, which currently has 20 LGAs, will have 57 LGAS, pushing the total number of local governments in the country from 774 to 811.

Mr Abubakar said the moves would only benefit Lagos State, thereby undermining equity and fairness in governance and might lead to fragmentation and nationwide division.

He said a comprehensive review of local governance structures was necessary to ensure fair representation and consideration of diverse needs.

The president, therefore, urged Nigerian governors, especially those from the northern region, to protest against the bill.

He restated the group’s commitment to promoting unity, equity, and fairness in governance, urging lawmakers to reconsider the bill’s implications.

(NAN)