The significance of Local Government in Nigeria’s federal structure is undergoing a transformation, moving beyond the traditional debates of centralization versus decentralization. However, amidst this discourse lies a pressing concern regarding the relevance and efficacy of Local Government in the country. Originally, Nigeria operated as a federation with two tiers of government—federal and regional/states—until the 1976 local government reform under the Murtala/Obasanjo regime introduced Local Government as the third tier. The objective was to foster dynamic, participatory, and inclusive governance. Unfortunately, this vision has remained largely unfulfilled, primarily due to the pervasive influence of state governors over local governments.
While state governors argue that Local Government lacks constitutional legitimacy as an autonomous entity, being merely a creation for administrative convenience, it is evident that global trends have seen significant restructuring and empowerment of local authorities in other countries. In contrast, in Nigeria, local governments often serve as extensions of state governors’ powers.
The era of governors arbitrarily dismissing Local Government chairpersons seems to be waning, yet the issue of local governments’ efficiency in achieving their objectives persists. Perhaps, rather than perpetuating the current state of affairs, governors should consider abolishing Local Government as a separate tier and instead manage local affairs through state ministries of local affairs, similar to practices in many other states across the federation.
The underlying ideological considerations are multifaceted. They encompass the traditional principles of local self-government, emphasizing autonomy, participation, and efficiency, as well as the contemporary needs of centralized governance, including rule of law, geographical redistribution, and macroeconomic management. Balancing these diverse values within the framework of local government necessitates a nuanced approach that transcends the simplistic dichotomy of centralization versus decentralization.
The complexities of local government, observed in both developed and developing democracies, including Nigeria, require a reevaluation of its role within the federal structure. Despite numerous reform efforts over the years, finding a harmonious balance between the original ideological premises and the practical functioning of local government has proven challenging.
. Being a universal level of government found in federal, and Confederal systems as well as unitary with the UK possessing even a variety of newly crated *quangos* ( an acronym for quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organisation staffed by appointees rather than by politicians or civil servants) , Nigeria must focus on administrative necessity and the traditional values of autonomy, participation, and efficiency to overcome the persistent challenges of centralization and decentralization.
This issue of restructuring is imperative for President Tinubu , otherwise, as the French saying goes, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (the more things change, the more they remain the same), State Independent Electoral Commissions will continue to mismanage state resources through opaque local government elections, undermining credibility. The despoliation by elected local government officials will further strain fiscal federalism with their salaries, emoluments, and corrupt practices. If governors insist on controlling local administration, let them do so with appointed officials, akin to the quasi-autonomous organizations (quangos) seen in the UK. This approach would safeguard the integrity of both states and the federation, preventing the continued hemorrhaging of national resources through corrupt practices facilitated by the current system.
‘Seye Akanmu-Bode is a Political Scientist, and author of the book, “UKULELE 2023 ELECTORAL PROCESS: ISSUES, OUTCOMES AND BEDLAM”. He is Special Assistant, Media and Political Strategy to Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA)
