ABSTRACT
This study investigated the autonomy of Local Government in Nigeria: issues and the way forward. This study employed a qualitative research method involving the use of secondary sources of data. As a third tier of government enshrined in the constitution, local government is expected to perform some responsibilities to the grassroots. The study will make use of documentary method of secondary sources of data collection and content analysis to examine the relationship of the three tiers with references to authority, finance, personnel, political and ecological relationship vis-Ã -vis social and economic development. The study will adopt decentralization theory of inter-governmental relations in the literature review. The findings of the paper shows that local government in Nigeria is not operating full autonomous status because of some limitations in the constitutional provision of its operation particularly in terms of its structure, composition, control, revenue and other administrative matters and this has greatly affected her optimal performance to the rural people. Thus, the study recommends more constitutional powers to enhance and strengthen her autonomous status for effective and efficient service delivery as a third tier of government in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The Nigerian government structure is made up of three tiers, which are the federal government, state government and the local government. The three of them are involved in delivering dividends of democracy to the people. They each have their roles to play as entities, but they also collaborate in certain respects, especially when it has to do with management and financing. This ensures improvement in performance and accountability.
The federal government is involved in defense, shipping federal trunk roads, aviation, railways, posts, telegraphs, telephones, police and other security services. They are also involved in regulation of telecommunications, interstate commerce and labour. Federal sees to mines and minerals resources, guidelines for minimum education standards at every level of education and water resources. Both federal and state collaborate to see to antiquities and monuments, university, technological and post-primary educations; health and social welfare; statistics and surveys; scientific and technological research; industrial, commercial and agricultural development and electricity.
State and local governments collaborate on issues related to development of agriculture and non-mineral natural resources, health services and primary, adult and vocational education.
The local government deals with issues related to roads, streets, street lighting, drains and other public facilities; sewage and refuse disposal, homes for destitute and infirm, cemeteries and burial grounds and economic planning and development.
