Introduction the existence of local government has always been defended on the basis that it is a crucial aspect of the process of democratization and intensification of mass participation in the decisionmaking process. The study concludes that the adoption of this model will lead to good governance of local government areas in nigeria and by extension enhance the quality of life of nigerians. The failure of local government in the area of service delivery over the years has made the citizens to lose faith and trust in local government administration as an institution in nigeria. On the practical significance, the study will draw attention of, and enlighten both the stakeholders and those who implement policies on rural development in nigeria who may not really understand the central role of rural development on the crucial and inescapable role of local government system. This paper examines the local government system in nigeria, its relevance and impact in poverty reduction, economic growth and sustainable development. The relative roles of the three tiers of governmentthe federal. Pdf the 1999 constitution and the roles of local governments. While core functions of local government are defined in the constitution, individual states may augment their responsibilities through legislation. Pdf in the general discourse on the local government system in nigeria, two major influences are notable. The role of local government in rural development issues jide ibietan abstract the central aim or focus of this paper is to highlight the role of local government being the closest tier of government to the grassroots in rural development. Functions of local government in nigeria the functions and tasks of the local government are prescribed in the nigerian constitution of 1999. Many nigerians would agree that the federal government sponsored reform and reinstitution of democratic politics at the local level was easily the most out.
State joint local government account sjlga by the1999 constitution undermined their role further. This paper examined the role and challenges of local government in community development in nigeria. Participation by the citizensingovernance is one of the underlying precepts of democracy and the modern notion of government. Prepared for the nigerian per steering committee by stuti. Pdf local government and good governance administration. Pdf the role of local government council in agricultural.
Representatives of this organization collect taxes, work with telebroadcasting and radio, transport licenses, cemeteries and provides houses for the people in need. The new system of local government in nigeriabackground to reform. Local government is expected to generates revenue for the purpose of running the local government and as well, promote the welfare of the people. Local government since its creation in nigeria has been and is still involved in the process of community development which ultimately translates. Constraints of local government administration in nigeria. One of the major reasons for the creation of local government in nigeria is to bring governance closer to the people. A local authority, sometimes also referred to as a municipal authority, is a term that refers to a rural and urban political subdivision below the national level which is. Pdf the local government constitutes the most critical level of. Structure and functions of local government in nigeria. Local government does this by generating revenue through licensing carts, trucks, bicycles, canoes, wheel barrow among others. The powers and functions of local government in nigeria 19661980. Nigerias fourth national development plan 19811985 for the first time included input from the local government level. The nigerian federation currently has 774 local government units created for.
Local government and community development in nigeria oxford. Also, the paper looks at the reasons for the establishment of local government, functions and characteristics of good governance and accountability. It is a matter of polemics if local governments in nigeria are raising sufficient revenue. Local government involvement in national development planning.