The paper examined fiscal federalism and good governance in Nigeria. Fiscal federalism centres on allocation of resources among the federating units and as a matter of fact, acts as a precursor for good governance or otherwise. Qualitative research method was adopted for this paper. Findings revealed that there are contending issues and challenges of fiscal federalism in Nigeria; there is mismatch between revenue sources and functions of the various tiers of government and which in so doing hampers good governance.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Methodology
4. Conceptual Review
5. Discussion and findings
6. Conclusion and Recommendations
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to critically examine the relationship between fiscal federalism and good governance in Nigeria, identifying how resource allocation challenges impact the nation's political and economic stability.
- The nature and challenges of fiscal federalism in Nigeria.
- The impact of centralized fiscal powers on state and local government performance.
- Principles of good governance and their connection to fiscal decentralization.
- Analysis of historical and structural imbalances in the Nigerian revenue-sharing system.
Excerpt from the Book
Federalism
In the words of Hague and Harrop (2011), it is the distinctive feature of federalism is that legal sovereignty is shared between the federal government and the constituent states. They went further to add that a federal constitution creates layers of government with specific functions allocated to each. The relationship between federal and state governments according to Hague and Harrop (2011) are the crux of federalism. According to Friedrisech (1937) federalism is a union of group selves united by one common or more objectives, but retaining their distinctive group beings for other purposes. By this conception, it is correct to accept that federalism is at the inter group level what association is at the interpersonal level. It unites without destroying the selves that are uniting and is meant to strengthen them in their mutual relations. In the words of Ricardo (1993), Federalism is a process without required form or practices, a process constantly in a flux under evolution, a conceptualization with some human systematic analysis, brought to show that federalism thrives in a continuous flux. That it involves fluidity wherein the federalists from the units allow for processes of continued evolution towards the emergence of greater good for all through compromise in their diversities. It is imbued with capabilities inherent in the various units and subsuming them.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides a concise overview of the study, noting that fiscal mismatches between government tiers hinder good governance in Nigeria.
Introduction: Establishes the theoretical context of fiscal federalism and highlights the growing demand for devolution to improve public sector performance.
Methodology: Describes the qualitative approach and the use of secondary data sources like books, journals, and reports.
Conceptual Review: Explores the definitions of federalism, fiscal federalism, and good governance, establishing the framework for the analysis.
Discussion and findings: Analyzes the structural evolution of the Nigerian federation and the resulting fiscal imbalances that impede national development.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizes the study's conclusions, advocating for a shift from centralized fiscal control toward a more decentralized and equitable system.
Keywords
Fiscal Federalism, Good Governance, Nigeria, Revenue Allocation, Decentralization, Intergovernmental Relations, Resource Control, Political Stability, Public Sector, Constitutionalism, Federalism, Accountability, Transparency, Revenue Sharing, Socio-economic Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the nexus between fiscal federalism and good governance, specifically analyzing how Nigeria's revenue allocation system affects the effectiveness of different government tiers.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
Central themes include the division of fiscal powers, the impact of centralized resource management, the principles of good governance, and the historical evolution of Nigerian federalism.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The goal is to determine how the current fiscal arrangement contributes to or hampers good governance and to propose reforms for a more stable and equitable federation.
Which methodology does the author utilize?
The paper employs a qualitative research method, specifically relying on content analysis of secondary sources such as textbooks, academic journals, and official reports.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
It discusses the theoretical foundations of federalism, the historical transformation of the Nigerian state, and the ongoing challenges regarding revenue formulas and intergovernmental conflicts.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include Fiscal Federalism, Good Governance, Resource Control, Intergovernmental Relations, and Revenue Allocation.
How has the Nigerian federal structure changed over time?
The paper explains that the country shifted from three semi-autonomous regions at independence to a structure of thirty-six states, which led to a high concentration of power in the federal government.
What role does the 'Federation Account' play in the discussed fiscal issues?
The Federation Account is identified as a point of contention, with states and local governments often being financially weak and overly dependent on these central allocations.
What is the author's stance on the current revenue sharing system?
The author argues that the current system is lopsided, lacks equity, and fails to sufficiently empower the grassroots, ultimately undermining good governance.
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- Tomiwa Ogunrinde (Autor:in), 2020, Fiscal Federalism and Good Governance in Nigeria, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1036917
