THE PARADOX OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS IN NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

Abstract

The paper critically examined the impact of 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria Federalism forty (40) years after the reform was carried out. Giving the pluralistic nature of Nigerian federalism, local government in 1976 became constitutionally recognized and democratically guaranteed as a third tier of government as to enhance good governance and grass root development. The paper a desk research relied mostly on secondary data which were sourced from relevant books, government and institutional publications, scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles and other internet materials. However, personal observations were employed as a primary data. Data collected were presented in themes and analyzed. The paper therefore contends/argues that, although the constitutional recognition giving to local government in Nigeria is unique in nature, this has deepened the number of her pathologies. These include conditions of extreme exploitation, poverty, formation of elitist conflicts and political patronage, underdevelopment and inter-governmental crises among other serious consequences for both human and national security. The paper concludes that the pathologies are pointers to nation’s underdevelopment since they affect government’s ability to deliver to citizens the cardinal functions of government.