AN APPRAISAL OF THE IMPACT OF INTER GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the nature of the Nigerian state and challenges of its constitutional provisions skewed in favour of the federal government as evidenced in the Exclusive Legislative List. It argues that this present arrangement inhibits the pace of development in the country. The study was qualitative in approach and gathered data through secondary sources that were content analyzed using the Structural Functional approach developed by Almond as framework of analysis. Because federal ascendancy defines the nature of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria’s federation, the observable functional cooperation is only a vertical pattern of relationship between the federal and state governments on the one hand, and amongst the federal, state and local governments on the other. It found out that in spite of the existence of informal structures like Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) and Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), etc, that should provide platforms for horizontal partnerships and co-operations between or amongst states and between or amongst local government councils, there is no evidence of such functional collaborations in any sphere which is one of the links that is missing in the inward approach to development in the face of challenges posed by the country’s constitution. In conclusion, the recently founded South-East/South-South Governors Forum is a further expansion of horizontal cooperation and integration of states and local government councils in the two regions, which is a potential viable platform for rapid development and transformation of states in the zones if pursued with sincerity of purpose. It recommends functional partnerships, collaborations and cooperation between or amongst states and between or amongst local government councils in the following areas: tinkering with provisions of the 1999 constitution that are antithetical to development processes within its jurisdiction, recruitment of leaders, infrastructural development, capacity building, resource sharing, etc.