Local Government Autonomy as an Imperative for True Federalism in Nigeria

Abstract

Local governments are subordinate governments usually referred to as the third tier of government. In a federation, the component units are expected to exercise some degree of autonomy. Such autonomy implies the various levels and types of area dispersion of powers provided through a constitutional framework. In Nigeria, local government derives its existence and power from laws enacted by the other two superior tiers, that is, the federal and state governments. There are agitations for more power to be given to local government in the spirit of true federalism. The level of interference in local government administration by state governments has reduced local government to mere appendage of state government. It is the view of this paper that, local government deserves and should be granted sufficient autonomy to strengthen Nigeria federalism.