Sustainable Local Governance; Tracing the Roots - A Journey through the History and Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria.

What again is constant? Change.

There is no doubt that the embrace of change has led to groundbreaking advancements and improvements in various sectors of the world today. Change, yes, anything can be changed.

Local government in my fatherland has undergone significant changes over the centuries, starting from the pre-colonial times, through the colonial days, to the military era, down to this present civilian self-colonizing moments.

Please, note that change is coming, but we need to first know what has happened in the past, understand the problems of the present as a result of past whatever, then face the business of local governance with seriousness whilst greatly considering future generations in our decisions.

Just an introduction for today. Shall we?

Pre-Colonial Era:

Before the colonial masters came, Nigeria was characterized by diverse ethnic groups, each with its own system of governance and administration. Traditional rulers and councils were in charge at the local level, exercising authority over their respective territories and communities. These indigenous structures helped in maintaining social order, resolving disputes, and providing basic services to the populace.

Colonial Legacy:

The colonial masters came in the 19th century and they brought changes to Nigeria's governance landscape. They introduced a centralized system of administration, which displaced the traditional authorities and established indirect rule through appointed native authorities. This system enabled the control and exploitation of Nigeria by the British whilst concomitantly laying the groundwork for modern local government institutions.

Post-Independence Era:

After independence in 1960, Nigeria embarked on a journey of nation-building and democratic governance. The post-independence era witnessed the proliferation of local government institutions across the country, aimed at fostering grassroots development, decentralizing power, and promoting participatory governance. However, political instability, military coups, and centralized control characterized much of Nigeria's early post-independence period, limiting the effectiveness and autonomy of local government structures.

Military Rule

The period of military rule from the late 1960s to the early 1990s witnessed a centralization of power and erosion of local government autonomy. Military regimes often used local governments as political instruments to consolidate their grip on power, leading to corruption, inefficiency, and administrative malaise.

The 1976 Local Government Reform:

A significant milestone in the evolution of local government in Nigeria was the enactment of the Local Government Reform of 1976. This reform sought to streamline and rationalize the local government system, standardizing administrative structures and functions across the country. It introduced the concept of local government areas (LGAs) as the third tier of government, with elected councils responsible for service delivery, development planning, and grassroots representation. In fact, the 1979 and present 1999 constitutions serve as the legal framework for the establishment of local governments in Nigeria.

Challenges

Despite several reforms and constitutional provisions, local government in Nigeria continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges. These include lack of visionary leaders, lack of sustainability framework, inadequate funding, political interference, corruption, weak institutional capacity, lack of community participation and more.

Till date, local governments in Nigeria are not working as they should.

Still, don’t give up yet, change is on its way, but we will begin to look at each of the subheadings above in detail starting tomorrow.

Cheers,

Your Sustainable Local Governance Educator.