The Fluctuating Fortunes of Local Government in Nigeria: 1976-1993

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Periodical article

Title:	The Fluctuating Fortunes of Local Government in Nigeria: 1976-1993
Author:	Ovwasa, O. Lucky
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Transafrican Journal of History (ISSN 0251-0391)
Volume:	25
Pages:	68-83
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Nigeria West Africa
Subjects:	local government reform History and Exploration Politics and Government Management, Public Administration local government public administration history economic development
Abstract:	The nationwide local government reform of 1976 was a watershed in the status and role of local government administration in Nigeria. However, the optimism that accompanied the reform was short-lived. The author examines the real status of local government in Nigeria under the various administrations between 1979 and 1983 against the backdrop of the statutory status of local government as laid down in the reform. He finds a lack of political will and commitment to the ideals and principles of local government on the part of the federal and state governments. In particular, the higher levels of government are guilty of excessive interference in local government affairs and do not allow local government to function freely within the limited constitutional powers it has been granted. Bibliogr., sum.