1976 Local Government Reform in Nigeria

Prior to 1976, the North was practising a system to preserve the authority of the northern traditional rulers. This was known as the native authority system and it consisted of a chief with a council either “Chief and Council” or “Chief-in-Council“.

The southern Nigeria local government councils were structured in a way that the territory of Lagos had a one-tier system, the Eastern Region had a two-tier system while the western and mid-Western Regions had a three-tier system.

At the time, the local government in Nigeria was faced with several problems such as a shortage of funds, poor staffing, corrupt officials, and manipulation of the institutions.

The 1976 local government reform was one of the major achievements of the military in Nigeria. It changed the multiple systems of local government to a single-tier all-purpose local government. All the local governments were made the third tier of government after the central and state governments.

The reform by the military intended to rationalize and stabilize the government at the grassroots. In addition, this move will make more funds available at the local government’s disposal. It was also a move to constitutionally recognize it as the third tier of government.

Features of the 1976 Local Government Reform in Nigeria:

The provisions of this reform included:

(i) There was an introduction of a uniform system of local government administration in terms of functions, structure, financing, power, etc.

(ii) The local government was made the third tier of government.

(iii) Grants: Grants were to be given to local governments as take-off grants to build its Secretariat. Other grants include general grants or special grants.

(iv) All States were mandated to set up a Local Government Service Board or Commission aimed at improving the quality of local government personnel.

(v) The Chairman and Supervisory counsellors were to be on a full-time basis.

(vi) Both the federal and state governments were mandated to give matching grants and loans to the new Local Governments.

(vii) The condition of service of the local government staff was harmonized with that of staff of federal and state governments.

(viii) Traditional rulers were excluded from direct local government administration.

(ix) It provided for the establishment of traditional councils or emirate councils to advise the government on cultural, religious and national issues.

(x) It introduced a single-tier system of local government throughout the country.