Local Government Administration in Nigeria, A Toothless Bull Dog that can Bark but can not Bite

- By Musa Omachoko Matthew

Over the years while we were younger, the Local Government as the last line of the Institution of Governance closer to the people was highly up and running and effectively up to the very task and responsibilities that is due and accorded of a Local Government relieving The state Government of functions which do not fall into their jurisdictions.

The functions of Local Governments are detailed in the Nigerian Constitution and include:

Briefly:

Collection of taxes and fees, Establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences; Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, parks, and open spaces; Provision and maintenance of public transportation and refuse disposal among others.

This above functions were Judiciously and Tenaciously carried out by the Local Government and was able to maintain the local government from The Revenue accrued from its Activities.

Then Local government chairman were elected after various campaigns and presentations of manifestos from across all party line. They were Never selected.

Also Then, the Governor could be from a different party while the local government Chairmen of some of the the local government Were in The opposition party.

Then the Local Government receives their allocation directly from the Federal Government without the interference of the State Government.

But now it has all changed. The institution of the Local Government is more or less a charade as they are now toothless bull dog that can bark but cannot bite..

First, the State joint Single account where by the Federal Government pays the Local Government allocation into the joint account handled by the State Government has been part of the issues Cos the State Government most time do not release this allocations to Local Government Chairmen if They do not share the same ideology with the Governor or The party at the state or a perceived Lack of loyalty To the state State Government.

The recent practice of Appointing Local Government Chairmen or Administrator by the State Government without Election has also further made the last tiers of Government powerless. This also contributed to the fact that these appointed Local Government Administrator have become mere puppet Subdued under the wings and caprices Of the State Government as they are willing to do anything to retain their seats at any Cost.

How bout the Direct Allocation promised by the Buhari Next Level Administration!, till today it has yet to take proper effect where by the local Government can enjoy full financial Autonomy.

It is until this above issues ranging from appointment of Local Government Administrator instead of conducting elections for every body Across all party lines to test their acceptability by the Local community People, Disengaging the local government from the state joint account And allowing the local government to enjoy its full financial autonomy and other salient issues, until then, local government in Nigeria will remain to be a toothless bull dog that can bark but cannot bite.

30/11/19

Then nobody talked about senators and member of House of Representatives. Once you are a local government chairman and doing well, you are automatically ticked to be next governor.
Now, nobody cares about local government chairman let alone councilors.

They are no more a local government but a mere local council. Empty promises from the president of the cows...

I doubt if they could even bark. Its shameful that the decentralization enjoyed by the state government from the federal government is not been enjoyed by the LG from the SG.
I can tell you for free that development would actually be difficult if LGs are not decentralized from the SG

Ok

Rent this space

It is December already Happy New month peeps

The political office holders in Nigeria get away with impunity, same goes for Senators, Governors etc... because they know most Nigerians are cowards and are only a bribe away.

Politics. I'm yet to feel the impact of the Local Govt in my area though. Even the roads were patched by residents. The only drove down to thank us

Yes them be like this look below at them

The local governments are just mirage, hiding under the shadow of state governments, the Senate should fast track the local government autonomy.

Well said, especially in Osun state

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The L.G.A that is closer to the people is what governors hijack there funds to satisfy their selfish purpose.

a.k.a Local Gragra Agency

Sad situation

They're supposed to be the masses hope but they themselves are hopeless

I have nothing to say than this, As you step into the month of December Almighty God will grant you absolute freedom from every situation that has kept you captive. This month will be the beginning of an endless joy, peace and prousperity in our life.happy new month to you all

I thought that dogon yaro president promise to give LG autonomy? this country is a mess.

Ojo local government seems to be one of the worst local government ,they just heep generating revenue in billions but nothing to show for it with the state of the roads and infrastructure there..
We sell Smart TVs and air conditioners

Happy New Month Everyone

When you think about it, you will realise that that is the root cause of underdevelopment in Nigeria.
The Local Government is close to the people than the State or Federal government.

There was a country

kittykollinxx:
I doubt if they could even bark. Its shameful that the decentralization enjoyed by the state government from the federal government is not been enjoyed by the LG from the SG.
I can tell you for free that development would actually be difficult if LGs are not decentralized from the SG

You're very correct.

Under normal circumstances, the funds being swallowed up by senators and rep members in the name of constituency projects should be going to the local governments for projects and development of all parts of the states, while they focus on legilasting and passing bills at the national level. Its just so sad that the reverse is the case. Its just sad.

Musa don tired...

TemmyT002:
When you think about it, you will realise that that is the root cause of underdevelopment in Nigeria.
The Local Government is close to the people than the State or Federal government.

Precisely!
This is exactly why Nigeria remains a mess.
If only the monies were being passed unto the local governments. If only.

TemmyT002:
When you think about it, you will realise that that is the root cause of underdevelopment in Nigeria.
The Local Government is close to the people than the State or Federal government.

Correct

9jamag:
Well said, especially in Osun state

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Is it not the same person that bastardised local governments in Lagos that is destroying osun also

They really don't do anything... I wanted to register for LASRAA or what's it called,I was asked to come by 5:30am and write my name and later come by 10am while they start operation by 12pm and closes by 2pm... which local government opens by 5:30am....have been on this for more than 2months now... one of the local council on the island...

Pat081:
I have nothing to say than this, As you step into the month of December Almighty God will grant you absolute freedom from every situation that has kept you captive. This month will be the beginning of an endless joy, peace and prousperity in our life.happy new month to you all

Amen. God bless you too

I am surprised at this very post. Are you trying to make us understand that the autonomy of the Local govts that has been long publicised is still in the audio? Then how come my local govt Chairman has been able to do some better projects recently? Anyway I will verify.

Local govt administration is a waste that tier of govt should be wipe off.

Local government that more than average staffs are ghost workers

Local government that the chairmen are stooges to the governors

What is even the function of a local government in Nigeria self?