Local Government

Meaning:

Local government may be defined as a government established through an Act at the local level to deal with specific matters as it affects them. It can also be defined as the sub-organ of the central government established to provide for the needs of the people at local level. Under the 1963 republican constitution, local government authorities were created mainly to deal with matters of local concern, e.g. markets, feeder, roads, motor parks, etc. The essence of local government creation is to involve local participation in the affairs of the country.

Powers of the Local Government

1. Making of bye-laws: The legislative arm of local government is involved in making of bye-laws.
2. Power to punish offenders: They can punish those who violate the laws made.
3. Imposition of levy: They can impose levy on the people for some specific reasons.

Reasons for the Creation of Local Government

1. Local government is established to bring the government nearer to the people.
2. It widens political participation in a state.
3. It is established to be able to provide certain services that are locally relevant to an area.
4. To act as bridge between the people and the state or central government.
5. It helps in the preservation of local traditions, culture and history by promoting cultural festivals.
6. Provision of employment opportunities at the local level.
7. To provide opportunities for the local people participating in the politics of their country.
8. Creation of local government provides the avenue for even development of all parts of the country.

Control of Local Government

1. Legislature: Local government can be established or abolished by the legislature.
2. The executive arm of a state or central government can dissolve local councils. The minister in charge approves the budget and major projects of the council. Their accounts are also audited and funds may be withheld if there is misappropriation.
3. Judicial: The courts can declare any bye-law of local government illegal if it goes against the constitution.
4. Public control: Public criticism is another way of controlling local government.

Functions of Local Government

1. Local government maintains law and order in its locality.
2. It collects rates and levies.
3. It provides and supervises primary education.
4. It provides and maintains health centres.
5. It provides urban transportation.
6. It provides and maintains customary courts.

Problems of Local Government

1. Acute shortage of funds to operate.
2. There is problem of corruption and mismanagement of fund.
3. Some officials demand bribery before performing their functions.
4. Party politics often cause friction among the elected councillors.
5. The incentive to work is low leading to poor attitude of local government staff.
6. Some officials use their positions to grant undue favour to their friends and families, e.g. award of contracts.

Suggested Solutions to Problems of Local Government

1. There should be improvement on method of revenue generation.
2. Most of the workers should be given the opportunity to further their training in local administration.
3. Provision of adequate fund to the local government.
4. Auditing should be done regularly to enhance efficient financial management.
5. The activities of local government not be politically motivated.
6. There should be more avenues for revenue generation.

Exercises

1. (a) What is local government? (b) How does it differ from other levels of government?
2. Mention three (3) things the local government has the power to do.
3. Why were local governments created in Nigeria?
4. How are local governments controlled?
5. Suggest four (4) solutions to the problems usually associated with local governments in Nigeria.