Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Local Government as the Third Tier of Governance in Nigeria: Interrogating the Role and Enduring Challenges of Local Government in Nigeria’s Federal Governance System

Azibagiri Samuel OMEKWE, Johnson IGBA

Abstract

This paper examines the role and challenges of local government in Nigeria's federal governance system, focusing on its historical evolution, legal framework, and current difficulties. Local government in Nigeria is meant to be the third tier of governance, positioned between federal and state authorities. It is intended to bring governance closer to the people, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, by delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and road maintenance. The evolution of local governance can be traced back to indigenous community-based systems, but the arrival of colonialism disrupted these structures, leading to a more centralized system of governance. Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, various reforms were introduced to standardize and decentralize local governance. One significant reform came in 1976, which aimed to create a uniform local government structure to promote democratic participation at the grassroots level. However, local governments in Nigeria continue to struggle with issues such as financial mismanagement, corruption, political interference from state governments, weak autonomy, and insufficient human resources. These challenges hinder their ability to effectively serve their communities. The paper highlights that despite reforms, the local government system remains vulnerable to manipulation by higher levels of government and political elites. It concludes by calling for greater autonomy, better resource management, and reforms that enhance accountability and service delivery at the local level. Strengthening local government structures is essential for fostering national development and improving democratic governance in Nigeria.

Keywords

ChallengesDecentralizationFederal governanceLocal governmentNigeria

References

Adebayo, A. A. (2021). Security challenges and local governance in Nigeria: Implications for effective administration. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 15(3), 77–89. Agagu, A. (2011). Decentralized revenue generation strategies for strengthening local governments in Nigeria. In Development agenda of Nigerian state (updated ed.). Ibadan: Fiag Publishers. Aiyede, E. R. (2009). The role of local government in Nigeria's development. Journal of Local Government Studies, 1(1), 1–15. Ajayi, K. (2019). Citizen participation in local governance: Shortcomings in community engagement structures. Knowledge Review, 20, 1–12. Akindele, S. T. (2004). Local government institution as a mechanism for mobilizing and integrating the grassroots for governance and service delivery. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 11(3), 19. Aleyomi, M. B. (2014a). Local government and democratic consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. International Journal of Politics and Good Governance, 5(5.3), 1–17. Aleyomi, M. B. (2014b). Local government and the challenges of service delivery in Nigeria: The way forward. International Journal of Political Science and Development, 2(7), 141–147. Ayoade, J. A. A. (2003). Local government and grassroots democracy in Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, 12(1), 1–12. Buchanan, J. M., & Tullock, G. (1962). The calculus of consent: Logical foundations of constitutional democracy. University of Michigan Press. Diejomaoh, I. C., & Eboh, E. C. (2012). Local government in Nigeria: Relevance and effectiveness in poverty reduction and economic development. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 3(10), 12–28. Eneh, A. (2021). Challenges of infrastructure maintenance in local government areas and their impact on service delivery. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science, 3(4), 578–589. Ezeani, E. O. (2019). The politics of local government reforms and democratic governance in Nigerian local government system. Journal of Political Science and Leadership Research, 5(1), 32–47. Food and Agriculture Organization. (2013). Agricultural development initiatives. FAO. Federal Government of Nigeria. (2004). National policy on local government. FGN. Federal Ministry of Health. (2004). National health policy. FMOH. Federal Republic of Nigeria. (1999). Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. FRN. Ibodje, S. W. E. (1999). Comparative local government. Eregha Publishers. Ibodje, S. W. E. (2007). Elements of public administration. Eregha Publishers. Monday, E. J., & Wijaya, J. H. (2022). The historical development of local government administration and its contemporary realities in Nigeria. The Journalish: Social and Government, 3(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.55314/tsg.v3i1.226 Nwankwo, B. C. (2021). Environmental issues and local government capacity in Nigeria: Flooding, deforestation, and pollution. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science, 3(4), 578–589. Obasun, T. A. (2024a). Governance, corruption, and the paralysis of local government development in Nigeria. Journal of African Political Research, 15(2), 88–102. Obasun, T. A. (2024b). State interference and the crisis of local governance in Nigeria. Success Publishers. Okoli, D. O., & Onah, F. (2020). Local government administration in Nigeria. Enugu: John Jacob’s Classic Publishers Ltd. Okolo, P. O., & Osimerah, C. (2017). Politics of local government creation: Implications for national development in Nigeria. South East Journal of Political Science, 3(1), 285– 299. Ola, R. F. (2021). Local government administration in Nigeria. Amfitop Books. Ola, R. F., & Tonwe, D. A. (2009). Local government and decentralization in Nigeria: A critical analysis. Nigerian Journal of Public Administration, 8(2), 118–132. Olaopa, O. R. (2013). Local government and development in Nigeria: A review of the challenges and prospects. Journal of Development Studies, 49(6), 1–15. Olowu, D. (2019). Local government administration in Nigeria: A historical perspective. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 9(2), 161–179. Oluwatobi, O. A. (2019). Local government administration in Nigeria: A historical perspective. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 9(2), 161–179. https://doi.org/10.5296/jpag.v9i2.14994 Osuagwu, K. (2021). E-governance barriers faced by local government areas: Communication and manpower development implications. ResearchGate Publication. Ribot, J. C. (2002). Democratic decentralization of natural resources: Institutionalizing popular participation. World Resources Institute. Rondinelli, D. A. (1981). Government decentralization in comparative perspective: Theory and practice in developing countries. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 47(2), 133–145. Suberu, R. T. (2001). Federalism and ethnic conflict in Nigeria. United States Institute of Peace Press. Wheare, K. C. (1963). Federal government (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. World Bank. (2004). Local government and decentralization in Nigeria. World Bank.

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

Building National Analytics Capacity: Advances and Future Pathways

Author: Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uzoamaka Iwuanyanwu

Root-Cause and Thematic Analysis for Major Incident Management: A Review

Author: Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Uzoamaka Iwuanyanwu

Data-Quality and Single-Source-Of-Truth Frameworks for Inter- Agency Reporting: A Review

Author: Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uzoamaka Iwuanyanwu

Human-In-The-Loop Decision Systems: Advances and Future Directions

Author: Funmilayo Ashore-Onisemo, Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey, Okwesa,

Roles of Oil Subsidy Removal on Transportation Cost and Water Factory in Cross River South, Nigeria

Author: Onwuzurike Peter Tobechi, Owoh Akwa Owoh, Unoh Grace Inyang, Umaru Musa