Relationship between the federal, state and local governments

The federal, state and local governments are the three arms of government within a country. The country as a large entity is large to administer or rule, so it is divided for easy administration. The federal government controls the whole country. They decide on the area that can become a state because it is central and overall government of the country. Currently Nigeria has 36 states. For easier administration closer to the grassroot, the constitution permits that each state be divided into smaller groups which is called the local government. Their operations are inter-related and interdependent ie all three arms of government. As the federal government depends on the state and local government for smooth running of the nation, so also the local and state governments depend on the federal government for national policies and finance to run.

Power to legislate

Nigeria operates a democratic system of government. In each level of government, there is a legislature. The legislature is the body of people nominated and elected to represent a particular area in the local state or federal government. These elected people are found in various house of assemblies. They decide on what should or should not be done. This power to legislate is given to each level of government. In Government, there is legislature, executive and judiciary. The legislative makes the laws, the executive carries it out while the judiciary interprets the law.

In the constitution, each arm of government has the power to carry out the execution of such. The state has the power to establish a school. It ensures that policy on education for the nation is achieved. The state also has power to introduce all other incentives to execute programmes.

Functions of the Different Levels of Government

The powers and functions of Nigeria are shared between the Federal and State governments. Shared under – Exclusive list (Federal), Concurrent list (Federal and states) and Residual list (states).

The Federal Government

This is a federal republic, with executive power exercised by the president.

Functions of the Federal Government

1) Law Making: The main function of government includes law making, law execution and law adjudication.

2) Maintenance of law and order: The government is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order. The police and the courts are established to carry out this function.

3) Defence of the country: To enable government function appropriately in this regard, the armed forces are set up and equipped to defend the country against any external attack.

4) Protection of lives and properties: The government owes it as its duty to protect lives and properties of the citizens.

5) Administration of justice: The law court settles disputes and administer justice. The prisons are established to punish offenders.

6) Provision of amenities: It is the duty of government to provide basic amenities for the well being of the citizens. For instance; Health care, public utilities, subsidized housing, public education etc.

7) Provision of employment opportunities: It is the duty of the government to provide employment and an enabling environment for the citizen to do business.

8) Political functions: These include conducting free and fair election, regulating political activities.

The State Government

This is the second tier of the federalism system of Government, it is headed by the state governor, and currently Nigeria has 36 states all together. The legislative arm of the state government is called the state house of assembly.

Functions of the State government

They are charged with the duty of providing Education for its residents

They are to ensure that the roads at their jurisdiction are well maintained and build new roads at where necessary.

They implement federal mandate

They are charged with the duty of collecting and generating revenue.

They operate judicial system.

The Local Government

The local government is the third tier of the federalism Government, it is headed by a “chairman”. It is the government of the grass root where the majority lives.

Functions of the local government

The local government provides health centre’s to the people at the grassroots.

They are responsible for naming the streets and the roads

They help to maintain orderliness

They help with the duty of registering death, birth and marriage certificate.

Control and regulation of outdoor advertising and hoarding.

PROBLEMS OF THE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENTS

In the federal system of government, there are separation of power among the three tiers of Government. Their functions are well spelt out.

1)Revenue allocation formular among the tiers of government.

2) Boundary disputes among the component units.

3) Inter-village or town rivalry. There had been rivalry resulting to clashes between villages or town over boundary and creation of local government.

4) Federal character: Appointment into federal establishments, states and local governments are not usually based on merit but federal character.

Assessment

What are the functions of the Local government.

Examining your immediate environment, does it look like the local government is working. Also mention, 3 projects they have carried out in the last one year in your environment.