Classwork Exercise and Series (Government-SS3): Local Government Administration

Government, SS 3 Week: 3

Topic: Local Government Administration

The evolution of local government system in Nigeria could be traceable to the Great Britain municipalities’ form of local government. This system which was introduced in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, etc had similar responsibilities with that obtainable in Britain. This is a multiple system of local government that operated before the 1976 local government reforms. After the Second World War, local government councils gradually replaced indirect rule system of the native authority and law making became relatively easy even when most of the native authorities were set up.

 Structures of Local Government Reforms

The 1976 reforms of local government changed the multiple system of local government to a single tier all-purpose local government. All the local governments were made the third tier of government after the central and state government.

Functions of Local Government

1. Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries and homes for the destitute.
2. Collection of rates and licenses on radio and television.
3. Licensing of bicycles of bicycles, trucks, canoes, wheel barrows, carts, etc.
4. Establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks, etc.
5. Registration of births, deaths and marriages in their areas of authority.
6. Assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates.
7. Naming of roads, streets

Sources of Finance for Local Governments

1. The national assembly: They make provision for statutory allocation of public revenue.
2. House of assembly of a state: They make provision for statutory allocation of public revenue to local government councils.
3. Grants: They receive grants from both central and state governments for special projects.
4. Collection of rates: Revenues are equally generated through collection of rates on electronics and market stalls.
5. Commercial ventures: Some local government are involved in commercial ventures like transportation.
6. Payment of fines: Fines are paid by those that have offended the rules and regulations.

Problems of Local Government

1. Acute shortage of trained personnel.
2. Shortage of funds to increase operation.
3. Political leaders have at different times interfered with activities of local governments.
4. Some officials demand bribe before performing their functions.
5. Diversion of revenue by selfish officials.
6. Granting of undue favor to friends.

Features of 1976 Local Government reforms in Nigeria

1. Introduction of uniform system of local government.
2. Federal government became directly involved in the local government administration.
3. Introduction of service board/ commission in all states.
4. Appointment of full time chairmen and supervisory councilors.
5. Federal and state governments were made to give grants to local governments.
6. Majority of local councilors were to be elected on a three-year basis as the term of office.
7. Traditional rulers were excluded from the local government council.

Role of Traditional Rulers in Local Government

1. Ministerial appointment: Some of them were appointed as ministers without port folio.
2. Legislation: They were also appointed into the second chamber in the regional law-making body.
3. President of customary courts; Some of the traditional rulers were appointed presidents of customary courts.
4. The tyranny of the first chamber: House of chiefs acted as a check to arbitrary acts of the upper chamber.
5. Representation of the grassroots: The traditional rulers were seen as the representatives of the people at the grassroots.
6. Acted as a link: They are seen as a link between the people and the government.