Local government systems exist in every country with variations in its structures and functions. Some countries operate single-tier system, where one local government exercises all the powers and performs all the functions, single-tier structural framework, where two or more local government share responsibilities for providing a range of services to the citizens in a defined area. In this lecture, we shall examine the origin, meaning and characteristics of local government in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
MODULE 1
ORIGIN, REFORMS AND SYSTEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Unit 1: Historical Development of local government
Unit 2: Local government Reforms
Unit 3: Meaning, Reasons and Characteristics of Local government
Unit 4: Local government Systems
UNIT 1
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Contents
3.1. Historical development
3.2 Native Administration
3.3 Growth of Local government
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Suggestions for Further Reading
UNIT 2
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS IN NIGERIA
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Contents
3.1 Reforms before 1966
3.2 Reforms during Military Regime
3.3 Post-1976 Reforms
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Suggestion for Further Reading
UNIT 3
MEANING, REASONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Contents
3.1 Meaning of Local government
3.2 Characteristics of local government
3.3 Reasons for establishing local government
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Suggestions for Further Reading
UNIT 4
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Contents
3.1 Classification of local government System
3.1.1 French System
3.1.2 Anglo-Saxon System
3.1.3 Marxian System
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Suggestions for Further Reading
Objectives and Topics
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Local Government administration in Nigeria, focusing on its historical origins, systemic evolution through various reforms, theoretical underpinnings, functional responsibilities, and the institutional structures that govern grassroots development and fiscal management.
- Historical context of the Nigerian local government system.
- Patterns and impacts of various administrative reforms from the colonial era to the present.
- Theoretical justifications and structural features of local councils.
- Mechanisms for revenue generation, policy execution, and legislative oversight.
- Inter-governmental relations and conflict management within the local administration framework.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Nigeria has experimented with different systems of local government since the amalgamation of the northern and southern parts of the country in 1914. The genesis of local government administration in Nigeria dates back to pre-colonial period. There werethe existence of emirate systems of Sokoto and Borno caliphates: Ibadan, Egba, Ekiti and Oyo empires. In these kingdoms, Emirs, Obas and Chiefs held sway over the governance of their respective domains. Moreover, in these areas, there were smaller districts, villages and wards that were subject to the kingdom and emirate government. These smaller or subordinate levels of government could be seen or described as local government. Then was the emergence ofindirect rule system of British colonialist.
Summary of Chapters
Unit 1: Historical Development of local government: This chapter traces the evolution of local government in Nigeria from pre-colonial emirates and kingdoms through the colonial era, focusing on the indirect rule system.
Unit 2: Local government Reforms: This unit examines the various administrative changes implemented in local councils, highlighting major reform periods before and after the 1966 military intervention.
Unit 3: Meaning, Reasons and Characteristics of Local government: This chapter defines the concept of local government and outlines the primary reasons and identifying characteristics that justify its establishment in a modern state.
Unit 4: Local government Systems: This unit explores the different models of local government classification found globally, including the French, Anglo-Saxon, and Marxian systems.
Keywords
Local Government, Nigeria, Administration, Indirect Rule, Native Authority, Reforms, Fiscal Federalism, Revenue Generation, Grassroots Democracy, Local Councils, Legislative Powers, Inter-governmental Relations, Public Policy, Decentralization, Civil Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this text?
This textbook provides an in-depth analysis of the Nigerian Local Government system, covering its history, the various reforms that shaped its structure, its function as a third-tier of government, and its role in grassroots development.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The main themes include the historical transition from colonial administration to modern governance, the different political and economic models of local government, the complexities of fiscal relations, and the administrative challenges such as corruption and centralization.
What is the central research scope of this work?
The work examines how local government administration in Nigeria has evolved to facilitate democracy, ensure efficient service delivery to the grassroots, and mobilize human and material resources for national development.
Which scientific methods or approaches are utilized?
The book utilizes an analytical and historical approach, evaluating government decrees, constitutional provisions, and theoretical frameworks (such as the democratic-participatory and efficient service delivery theories) to explain the functionality of local administration.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body treats the internal structure of the executive and legislative arms of local government, the sources of external and internal revenue, and the machinery established to manage industrial relations and conflict within the councils.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include Nigerian local government, local council administration, fiscal federalism, administrative reforms, revenue generation, native administration, personnel management, and inter-governmental relations.
How does the Dasuki Report of 1984 impact local administration?
The Dasuki Report led to the subordination of local governments to state governments and the introduction of sole administrators, which generally reduced the autonomy of councils and negatively impacted revenue allocation.
What specific confusion exists under the 1999 Constitution regarding local councils?
Sections 7 and 8 create ambiguity by vesting roles in both the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly regarding the creation, composition, and finance of local councils, leading to administrative inconsistencies.
What is the significance of the 2005 legislative provision on direct allocation?
The 2005 law aimed to ensure that local governments receive their statutory allocations directly, bypassing the State-Local Joint Account, to prevent the manipulation of funds by state governments.
How does the "Coordinate-Authority Model" differ from the "Inclusive-Authority Model"?
The Coordinate-Authority model suggests distinct, independent spheres of power for national and state levels, whereas the Inclusive-Authority model describes a hierarchical structure where local and state levels are dependent upon the national government.
- Citation du texte
- Chiamaka Okeke (Auteur), The Nigerian Local Government. Historical Development, Reforms and Systems, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1356462
