An Appraisal of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: Issues, Institutional Constraints and Reform Prospects

Zephaniah O. Edo, Olamide Oladiji & Olamiji R. Kayode

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Abstract

Local government constitutes the third tier of government in Nigeria’s federal system and is constitutionally designed to bring governance closer to the people through the provision of basic services and grassroots development. Despite this recognition in Nigeria’s constitution, local governments have historically operated with limited financial and administrative autonomy, largely due to state government interference. This paper examined the concept of local government autonomy in Nigeria by appraising the key issues and institutional constraints that have undermined its effective functioning. Anchored on decentralisation theory, the study adopted a qualitative research design and relies on secondary data drawn from academic literature, policy documents, constitutional provisions, and judicial decisions. The paper situated its analysis against the backdrop of the landmark 2024 Supreme Court judgment that affirmed full financial autonomy for local government councils. It argued that notwithstanding this judicial intervention, factors such as constitutional ambiguity, political resistance from state governments, the persistence of caretaker committees, power imbalance, and weak institutional capacity continue to hinder the realisation of genuine autonomy. The study further explored the implications of these constraints for grassroots democracy, service delivery, and civic participation. It concluded by proposing reform prospects including constitutional amendment, clarification of state–local relations, capacity building, and strengthened accountability mechanisms as necessary steps toward institutionalising local government autonomy and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

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