Introduction
Local government represents the lowest and closest level of government to the people. Its proximity to the grassroots gives it a strategic importance in governance, democracy, and development.
This closeness makes local government a potentially viable instrument for:
- Promoting local democracy and self-determination
- Effective provision of welfare and infrastructural services
- Grassroots development
- Serving as a training ground for higher political and administrative leadership
In many countries, top politicians and administrators began their careers at the local government level. This was particularly evident in Northern Nigeria in the 1960s, where local councils played a major administrative role. Consequently, local government is a vital institution of political administration. Indeed, there is no modern state without some form of local government.
Understanding Local Government and Factors Affecting Its Effectiveness
To understand the system of local government in any country and assess its effectiveness or ineffectiveness, the following factors must be examined:
1. Power and functions
2. Structure
3. Finance and revenue
4. Staffing/personnel
5. Inter-governmental relations
6. Historical antecedents
Power and Functions
The effectiveness of local government largely depends on the scope and nature of powers and functions devolved or delegated to it. For local government to be effective, it must be assigned functions that directly improve living standards and promote values such as participation, democracy, and self-rule.
However, the assignment of functions must be matched with adequate capacity —financial, administrative, and legal. Powers and functions should be:
- Clearly defined
- Constitutionally guaranteed
- Protected from arbitrary withdrawal by higher levels of government
Problems
In most developing countries, including Nigeria:
- Local government functions are limited in scope, often restricted to basic welfare services, minor infrastructure, law and order, and revenue collection—largely a colonial legacy.
- Functions are poorly defined, leading to overlaps with state governments.
- Higher levels of government often arbitrarily interfere, preventing local governments from performing their statutory roles.
Structure
Structure refers to how local government is constituted and organized, including:
- Size of territory and population
- Composition of councils
- Levels or tiers
- Mode of operation
An effective structure should:
- Balance popular participation with administrative viability
- Avoid being too large or too small
- Be dominated by elected officials
- Ideally operate within not more than two tiers
Problems
In Nigeria:
- Some local governments are excessively large, even bigger than some states.
- Others are too small, especially in parts of Eastern Nigeria.
- Councils are often dominated by traditional rulers and local elites, marginalizing ordinary citizens.
Revenue and Finance
Revenue determines the capacity and effectiveness of local government. Adequate and dependable finance is essential for service delivery.
Sources of local government revenue include:
1. Internal (local) sources
2. External sources, mainly statutory allocations from higher levels of government
3. Loans (occasionally)
Problems
Major challenges in Nigeria include:
- Inadequate and unstable revenue base
- Weak and unviable internal revenue sources
- Over-dependence on state and federal allocations
- Corruption and financial mismanagement
Staffing / Personnel
Effective governance requires qualified, trained, and experienced personnel. Local government staff fall into two categories:
- Administrators
- Policy makers (political office holders)
Problems
In Nigeria, local governments have faced:
- Poor calibre of staff, especially during the colonial era and First Republic due to low educational levels
- Inadequate training and experience
- Poor conditions of service
- Resulting in poorly formulated and poorly implemented policies
Inter-Governmental Relations
Inter-governmental relations refer to interactions among the various levels of government. Effective relations require:
- Mutual respect for constitutional powers
- Cooperation rather than domination
Problems
In Nigeria, relations between local and higher levels of government have been marked by:
- Arbitrary intervention by state governments
- Removal of statutory functions and revenue sources
- Suspension or dissolution of elected councils
- Withholding or diversion of funds
Both historically and presently, local governments in Nigeria often operate at the mercy of state governments, undermining their autonomy.
Conclusion
Local government is a critical institution for grassroots governance, democracy, and development. While its theoretical justification is strong, its practical effectiveness in Nigeria has been undermined by limited powers, weak structure, inadequate finance, poor staffing, and unhealthy inter-governmental relations. Strengthening local government autonomy, capacity, and accountability remains essential for meaningful national development.
0 Comments