Problems of Local Government in Nigeria & Solutions

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In a Federalist state such as Nigeria, governmental power is shared

between the central government and its component regions. The local

government in Nigeria is the third tier of government, with the state

government being the second. The local government was particularly

created to bring the government closer to the grassroots so that the

needs of the people can be better addressed and so they can have a

sense of belonging. There are 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

This article is about the problems of Local Government in Nigeria and

solutions to these problems.









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Problems of local government in Nigeria and Solutions







The Constitution



The first problem of the local government in Nigeria can be traced

back to the constitution that authorized its existence. In the

constitution, there is no set and clear distinction of the boundaries

and constitutional powers of the Federal and State governments in

regards to the establishment and operations of the local governments.

This is why we often see the federal and state government encroaching

on some of the functions of the Local Government. According to the

1999 Nigerian constitution, the local government must have a special

account into which all allocations from the Federation and state

account shall be paid. This law does not allow for the financial

autonomy of the local government as the Local Government then has to

depend on the other tiers of government for funds. The 1999

constitution has also failed to address other major problems of the

local Government which include: Qualification and Tenure of local

government Chairmen and Councillors, Local Government creation

processes, the functions of the Local government Services Commission,

Qualifications of Local government employees, etc.







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Inadequate Finance



As mentioned earlier, the local Government depends heavily on funds

given by the Federal Government (Statutory Monthly Allocation) and

revenue generated from the State Government. Usually, the Local

Governments do not get what is due to them from the State Government

because of corruption and embezzlement. The constitution needs to make

provisions so as to enable the Local Governments to be self-sufficient

so they will not have to rely on the other two tiers of government for

funds. The state governments should be made to remit all the funds due

to the local government.



Undue Interference from the State Government



Some functions of the local government as spelt out by the

constitution includes:Making recommendations to a State commission on

economic planning in so far as the areas under the authority of the

council are affected,

Collection of rates, radio and television licenses;

assessment of houses and properties for the purpose of levying rates



Sadly, state governments have taken over some of the functions of the

local governments especially when it has to do with revenue

collection. The revenue that the local government is supposed to make

is then diverted to the state government. Because of this, the local

government is perpetually broke and always find it difficult to pay

their workers and carry out other basic projects. The Nigerian

Constitution has to be reviewed so there can be proper distinctions

between the powers and functions of all three tiers of government. The

State and Federal government should also be deterred from encroaching

on the functions and operations of the Local Governments.







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Corruption



Corruption is a major vice that has done no good the Nigerian

democracy as well as federalism. Corruption is found at all levels of

government in Nigeria. Many even believe the local government is the

most corrupt of all three.



In many local governments, it is the state governors who successfully

put whomever they want in power, so you will see that during the local

government elections, the most seats are occupied by the parties of

those in power in the states. The elections and rights of the masses

are irrelevant.



Often times, funds meant for payment of the salaries of the local

government employees are stolen by those in power. There are also many

ghost workers (non-existent persons) in the payrolls, financial

figures for projects are inflated, etc.



Poor Leadership



Another problem plaguing the local government is poor leadership. Most

of the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors are not qualified for

the positions they occupy. Since they get into these positions by the

appointment of governors or other political godfathers. Many of the

local government chairmen do not have what it takes to run a political

office successfully.







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Lack of Autonomy



The local government is not free from the control or influence of the

Federal and state government. In most states, the state government

literally controls the Local Government Commission and can manipulate

it to suit their fancy.



Creation of too Many Local Government Areas



There are way too many local governments in Nigeria. The criteria

needed for the creation of Local Governments include population,

landmass, Internally Generated Revenue, location, and others. Often

times, however, local governments have been created just to please

people and for political reasons, hence ignoring the previously stated

criteria. The irrelevance of some local government renders them simple

redundant and just as another means of stealing money for a selected

few. The laws governing the creation of Local Government Areas need to

be followed strictly. Whenever there is agitation for the creation of

more LGA’s, such should be made to go through the proper scrutiny

and refuted if found to be for the mere purpose of pleasing people.



Overpopulated Workforce



Many local governments employ more labour than their budgets or

statutory allocation can handle. Some employments are based on

sentiments just to please political godfathers, talk less of the

alarming rate of ghost workers. All of these result in the inability

of the local government to pay its workers as at when due.



Unqualified and Undedicated Workers



The Local Government has the highest number of unqualified personnel

in its payroll. Some do not have the educational qualifications for

the role they occupy. In many local government offices, you will find

workers lazing around or many who simply do not come to work. All of

these drastically reduces the efficiency of the Local Government. Laws

need to be put in place to stop the appointment of workers that are

not qualified so as to make for a more efficient local government

council.

















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