State and Local Governments Interrelationship in Nigeria: an Assessment of Kogi State

Abstract

Despite the popular strides made by the1976 Local Government Reforms, the recognition of Local Government System as a third tier of government in the 1979 constitution and the subsequent improvements on the status of the Local Government, its contribution to National Development has been below expectation. Many reasons have been adduced for this situation. The Dasuki Committee Report (1984) on the review of the Local Government Administration in Nigeria reveals that local governments were considered largely as centres for the delivery of service and maintenance of law and order while the political right for self determination in the development process was neglected. In the Political Bureau Report of 1987, it was also noted that the fundamental problem of the Local Government System emanates directly from the excessive control and in some cases flagrant interference by State Governments in the sphere of the functions and finances of the Local Governments. Furthermore, even with the democratization of the Local Government System, certain administrative lapses, such as absenteeism from duty station, corruption and engagement in private rather than official duties, are rampant. Another important issue addressed is the absence of coordination of the activities of the State Officials within the Local Governments with those of the Local Government. The focus of this study is the examination of the impact of the changing nature of State and the Local Government Intergovernmental Relationship on the Autonomy of Local Government System since the 1976 Local Government Reforms up to the Fourth Republic in Nigeria. Based on the case study of six-selected Local Governments in Kogi State, the study argues that a harmonious relationship between the State and Local Governments is a prerequisite for development at the grassroots level. Resulting from the study of Kogi State, the study recommends among others that the Autonomy of the Local Government as a third tier of government should continue to be constitutionally safeguarded and enhanced to enable the Local Government System attain the status of partnership in progress with the State and Federal Governments.