Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: A Pathfinder for Grassroots Development

Abstract

Many approaches have been adopted by States to ensure that development and good
governance are achieved. Many governments, including Nigeria, adopted decentralization as
a way of encouraging democratic participation, efficient service delivery and infusing local
content into formulation and implementation of government policies at the grassroots among
others. The essence of Local Government is to decentralize power as a way of bringing
government closer to the people and enhancing efficient and effective service delivery at the
grassroot among others. Sadly, many Local Governments in Nigeria have not lived up to
these expectations. Frequent intrusions by State Governments have greatly affected their
service delivery. Most of the problems of Local Government stem from the kind of autonomy
that it enjoys via the constitution. Though, the constitution clearly postulates that Local
Government is a distinct and a third tier government but it is only in theory, in practice, it is
tied to the apron string of the State Government. This has affected the efficiency and
effectiveness of Local Governments in Nigeria. This paper attempts to highlight the
challenges facing local government autonomy in Nigeria. The rationale or relevance of local
government autonomy will also be considered. The Efficiency service theory was explored.
The paper relies on secondary means of data collection. The secondary means of data
employed include journals, magazines, newspapers, textbooks, official bulletin and internet
sources. The method of analysis employed were descriptive essay and narrative report. The
paper recommends that the Local State Government joint account should be abolished and
federal allocation should be transferred directly to the Local Government. The constitution
should make provisions to strengthen the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) by
removing it from the stronghold of the State Government among others.