CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is a modest attempt at a lucid explication of the role of local government in Nigeria.

Nigerian local government system has witnessed tremendous transformation since the introductions of the 1988 civil service reforms and its application at the local government administration one of the changes introduced to strengthen the local government is the direct payment of their statutory allocations which was increased from 15% to 20%.  In addition local government auditor was established in each state government to ensure proper utilization of financial resources at the local level to check any misappropriation of public funds.  Also all local government now has a common structure which distinguish them from service department.

Local government at any level has some stand and roles such as the maintenance of law and order, the promotion of economic development.  They are left with considerable freedom to act as they see fit for the interest of the local community.

From the point of view the government as agents of development are will place to help the rural areas to develop.  These can be done by investing in social and economic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, electrification and telecommunication.  The other essential duties inherited from the Native Authorities include rural and the urban water supplies markets and libraries.  We generally regard the convenience list as including those extra amenities which make for a better life in the community, other than those life in the community, other than those which are concerned with fighting discuss e.g. bus and lorry parks.  The regulation of handcarts on the streets, community and recreation centers, parks and open spaces, grazing areas and fuel plantations, the naming of streets and the numbering of buildings.  These are recognized as automatically the responsibility of the local government.  They also help in the service of park control and supply of water, electricity and gas, the provision of road and water transport, and any other trading undertaking that the state government specifically authorizes.

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