At inception, it primarily dealt with municipal health and sanitary issues and the implementation of a water tenement rate.
In 1950, a new local government law created a mayoral council that was composed of 24 elected councilors, this system lasted until 1953.
[1][2] Upon introduction, the council took over the activities of a general sanitary and municipal health board, and was charged to regulate and issue licenses concerning public markets, liquor sales, and motor vehicles, in addition, the issuance of a water tenement rate, and animal control regulations came under the purview of the new council.
[1][4] However, the political atmosphere was tense, there was the issue of an appropriate salary for the Mayor and when the Mcpherson constitution placed parts of Lagos under the purview of the Western regional government, then majority led by the Action Group, a regional law was enacted stating that major appointment decisions made by the council were needed to be ratified by the Lieutenant Governor.
[4] However, the council did meets many of its legal obligations, also supported urban renewal plans including the development of estates in Surulere, slum clearance on Lagos Island and a proposal for a free education program at Oke Suna.