State and Local Government Relations and the Implementation of the 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examined the concept of state and local government relations as a subtheme of the holistic concept of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) and the problem which characterized them in the implementation of the 1976 local government reforms in Nigeria. Essentially, the relationship between the state and local governments in Nigeria is fraught with conflicts, problems and confrontations which have also affected the local governments in the discharge of their statutory functions and the responsibilities. The kernel of this paper was to probe into the inherent conflicts and problems which by extension, have affected the implementation the 1976 local government reform in Nigeria. This paper adopted historical, descriptive and analytical research methodology of enquiry and generates data solely from textbooks, journal, articles, magazines, newspapers and the internet. The findings of the paper revealed that the continuous encroachment and erosion of powers of the local government by the state government renders the local levels ineffective and ineffectual and further impedes growth and development of the grassroots, as well as hamper the effective implementation of the 1976 local government reforms and national development. It was recommended that state and local government relations should be motivated by cooperative and bargaining forms of IGR, rather than conflictual and confrontational actions.
Authors
- Akpanim N. Ekpe
Department of Public Administration
Akwa Ibom State University
Obio Akpa Campus