An Overview of Local Government Autonomy and its Functions in Nigeria

Abstract

Local government (LG) is an intermediary player between the federal authority and the grassroots in a given society. Adequate and effective local authority (LA) indicates that government policies and activities reached the populace. In other word, the smooth running of the society needs to be cemented from the grassroots through adequate representations, policy formulations, implementations, and equitable distributions of resources and services. Nigeria is one of the few countries that adopted federal system of Government in Africa, a system that envisages autonomy for every sect of its authorities. Unfortunately, to suit their interests and political agenda, federal and state governments maintained great level of influence and control over local authorities. As a result of which the LG effectiveness and performances were largely hindered. The paper investigated the level of privilege empowered on the local authorities in Nigerian constitution to discharge their duties, and to what extends the federal and state governments' control and influence affects its effectiveness. Finally, the paper laid down some suggestions for reform strategies and adequate implementations as a corrective measure