Problems of Local Government in Nigeria and Dilemma of Exit Strategies

The Historical Nexuses and Viable Antidotes

Abstract

Local government system is a colonial heritage that contradicted and displaced the erstwhile pre-colonial native authority systems in the communities. As a result, the system has continued to produce mixed feelings and reactions since Nigeria adopted and legally incorporated it into its governance architecture. Studies on local government administration and the recurring dialogues on the problems of the system wear a look of turbulent journey, characterized by dilemma. Sometimes, it does appear that virtually everything that ought to be written about the system has been extensively attempted by both scholars and public commentators but in reverse, government and the practitioners (politicians)seem not to take appropriate actions to address the identified lingering problems and the recurrent concerns being expressed by the public. Several areas still pose palpable challenge to smooth operations of the system and it is disturbing how the problems have persisted despite different reforms in the local government system. As a qualitative research, the study relies on secondary data, content analysis and adopts systems theory as a theoretical framework. The paper examines the problems of local government in Nigeria, and the findings identified that the problems in the case of Nigeria are diverse in nature and adversely affect its performance. It suggests the best strategy for redressing them.