COURSE CODE: POL226

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

NAME OF LECTUREER: DR FELIX AWOSIKA

NAME: LONGE ARAOLUWA OLUWANIPINMI

DEPARTMENT: POLITICAL SCIENCE

MATRIC NUUMMBER: 210903154

 Local government is a semi-autonomous body created by law to provide for the needs of
people at the grass root level, serve as a link between the people and the central government,
maintain law and order in the local areas with the use of by-laws (which they make) and help
reduce the over concentration of powers in one authority.
According to Oni, (1993), local government is that “level of government exercised through
representative councils, established by law to exercise within a geographical area with common
social and political ties”.

These powers should give the council substantial control over local affairs as well as the staff,
and institutional and financial powers to initiate and direct the provision of services and to
determine and implement projects so as to complement the activities of the state and federal
governments in their areas.

It is the third tier of government in Nigeria and presently there are 774 local government areas in
the country.

There was a gradual development of the local government in Nigeria. The evolution of local
government is traceable to the introduction of the indirect rule, by the colonial masters, in
Nothern Nigeria. The system was introduced by Lord Lugard, when he became the high
commissioner of Nothern Nigeria in 1900.

Indirect rule was a system in which the people were ruled by the British through their traditional
leaders and traditional political institutions. The traditional rulers were the native authorities that
performed certain duties such as; collection of taxes, building aand maintenance of rural roads
and markets and the maintenance of law and order in the society.

This system adopted by Lord Lugard set the basis for local government development in Nigeria.
The indirect rule system was very successful Nothern Nigeria, partially successful in the Western
Nigeria and failed completely in the Eastern region.

As a fast-growing field of study and administrative unit of government, the local government
evolved some theories. Gboyega (1987) identified two sets of theories. The first set tries to
justify the existence of or the need for local government on the ground of its essentiality to a
democratic regime or for practical administrative purpose like responsiveness, accountability and
control. The second set opposes the first that the existence of local government cannot be
justified by any of those reasons mentioned above in that “local government institutions are
neither democratic in their internal operation nor admit of responsiveness accountability and
control”.

The Democratic participatory theory

This theory sees the local government as an avenue for the local populace to participate in
politics. The theory argues essentially that the local government provides the citizens at the local
level, the opportunities for political participation, interest aggregation, political education and
political socialization. This school of thought holds the view that local governments are
established basically for the purpose of promoting democracy and participation at the such level,
thereby bringing government nearer to the people. Local government offers the people the
opportunity to manage their affairs. It is a tool for grassroots democracy.
Michels and De Graaf, (2017) explains that this theory believes that the local government
provides the training ground for local populace to engage in democratic governance.

The Efficiency Services Theory

This theory is of the view that local government occupies the best position for the efficient
performance of those specific functions, which the constitution prescribed. The theory argues
that what is central and important to the people is the knowledge and articulation of the problem
confronting the people and finding appropriate solutions to the problems, In the works of
Majekodunmi, A. (2012), this system also allows for flexibility in decision-making and
implementation. In addition, it implies that local government exist to understand and cater to the
interests and aspirations of the people for better and more efficient services. . The theory further
argued that since the officials of the local government councils are indigenes of the areas, they
are in a better position to understand the needs of the people and provide efficient services for
their welfare. This school of thought emphasizes that services, such as: local roads, distribution
of water supply, housing for low-income groups, health services, agriculture, are of paramount
importance to local needs. Local governance in terms of efficient delivery of services is,
therefore, inevitable.

Yampolskiy, R. V. had the opinion that the characteristic nature of the local government placed it
in a position to perform those functions efficiently due to its closeness to the people at the
grassroots. The efficiency services theory also stipulates that the smallness of the population
allow for efficient provision of the basic social amenities.

This theory prioritizes the delivery of basic services like public safety, sanitation, and
infrastructure, with a focus on minimizing costs and maximizing outputs.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION THEORY

The theory emphasizes that local governments permit local resources both human and material to
be mobilized for rural development. Local governments are, very much so the instruments most
strategically placed to enhance development at the grassroot level and bring about rural
transformation. It is the preparing, organizing and distribution of resources for active service and
development.

This theory stipulates that the local government is an effective agent of change and development.
This change embodies social and economic development, work force resource development,
national integration and better share of the national wealth.

It emphasizes: resource identification and allocation, partnership-building, capacity-building,

community engagement.
This theory recognizes that local governments have limited resources and must leverage external
resources and partnerships to achieve their goals.
 Before the 1950s, the colonial government used Indirect Rule through the Native Authorities
to administer the grassroots. The native authorities operated under the District Officer with the
cooperation of Traditional Rulers. The 1950s witnessed some notable reforms in the local
government administration mostly in the Southern part of Nigeria.

In 1976, the Local Governments in Nigeria underwent its first major reform under the military
administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. These reforms formed the foundation of the
present- day local government system and were attempts to romodel the Local Government
administration to a form fitting for modern society.

The special feature of the reforms include among others, local government as a third tier of
government; multi-purpose single tier structure; elected local government councils, a unified
local government service to be established by each state through the local government service
board; each local government area is to have a population of between 150,000 and 800,000, but
no town should be spilt no matter its population; 10% statutory allocation to all local councils
from the federation account; recognition of traditional council in each local government and a
police committee for each local government. With these, local government administration
occupies a prominent place in governance in Nigeria. The 1976 reform remains a point of
departure for local government administration in Nigeria.

Uniform System: A uniform system of Local Government administration was introduced

throughout the country. They should be uniform in functions, structure and financing.

Special Grants: Special grants were given to the new Local Governments to enable them to build
their secretariats. Also, the Federal and State Governments were mandated to give matching
grants and loans to the new Local Governments.

Service Boards/ commissions: The State Government were instructed to establish Local
Governments Service Boards or commission. These Service Boards are to prove the quality of
Local Government personnel.
Traditional Councils: The traditional councils were excluded from the Local Government
Councils. However, traditional councils established were composed of the traditional rulers
whose duty was purely an advisory role. The council is composed of traditional rulers and
representative of the council. The council is charged to act as advisory body to the local
government; coordinate development plans of the local by joint discussion and advice;
community tax assessment and collection in the area; and control of chieftaincy matters.

Third – Tier of Government: The Local Government was made the third-tier of government. It
was only a council, but became a government.

Full-time Employees: The chairman and supervisory councils were made full time employees of
local government.

Condition of Service: The condition of service of Local Government personnel were harmonized
with that of the personnel of the state and Federal Government.

Past Debts: All the past debts of Local Government were written off to enable them to take off
effectively.

Federal Government Involvement: For the first time, the Federal Government was involved in
the funding of Local Government.

Establishment of Local Government Peace and Security Committee: The 1976 reform also made
provision for the establishment of the peace and security committee for the sole aim of
maintaining peace and security in the local government.

Democratization of Local Government: The members of the Local Government councils were
elected. Also, councilors were paid fixed monthly allowances, instead of sitting allowances.

These reforms also brought a fair share of problems to the third tier of government that
could hinder development at the local level in Nigeria.

They are inadequately funded; The Local Government does not receive enough money to
carry out their functions. Funds raised within the Local Government is usually not enough to
meet up with enormous task a held of them. Most of the time, the statutory allocation, state
allocation and grants are not regular or not sufficient to carry out their functions.
The presence of bribery and corruption. The social evils among the Local Government personnel
have retarded the growth and development of local governments. The Local Government
officials pursue their selfish interests and aims and are not interested in serving the people.

Lack of adequately trained personnel. The Local Governments lack professionals to carry out
certain assignments assigned to them.

Political Interference. In most cases, State Government deny the Local Governments the required
autonomy to work effectively.

Negative Attitude to Work. The negative attitude of the Local Government Workers to work
hinders the effectiveness of Local Government.

Tribalism, Nepotism and Favoritism: Recruitment and promotion are no longer based on merit,
but on tribalism, nepotism and favoritism of the higher ups.

Embezzlement of Funds: The Public funds, that are expected to be used to develop the Local
Government are usually embezzled, misappropriated and mismanaged.

Boundary Disputes: Boundary disputes which exist among some Local Government affects lives
and properties.

Inappropriate Structure: Some Local Government in Nigeria are too small or large in size. Due to
this, revenue generation has become a challenge. The small ones cannot generate sufficient funds
internally. Also, the large ones cannot carry out their assignment effectively because of
inadequate funds.

Lack of adequate machinery: The Local Government lack adequate machinery and equipment.
Some of them are still using obsolete machines and equipment, which affect their efficiency.

Revenue Collection: Another problem confronting the Local Government is inefficient method
of revenue collection.
 Though the problems facing the Local Government seem to be numerous, there are certain
measures that can be taken to solve them.
Integrity: The Local Government chairmen, councilors and officials must be people of integrity
because it is one of the top attributes of a great leader. It is a concept of consistency of actions,
values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.

Abraham Lincoln promoted the importance of integrity and character in great

leadership by saying Great Leadership is a product of great character.

Honesty: When the Local Government leaders are truthful and upright, it will enable them to be
truthful in every aspect of their administration. They will not be able to cover-up any form of
misconduct and misappropriation among other Local Government personnel. Honesty will put an
end to poor attitude towards work.

Transparency: Transparency is about being open, frank and honest in all communication,
transactions and operation. Only the leaders that are transparent, that will be accountable.
Therefore, Local Government leaders should be transparent in their administration and be
accountable to the people.

When integrity, honesty and transparency are in place, there will be an improvement in the local
government administration.