SS2: GOVERNMENT – 2ND TERM Local Government Reforms | Week 3 Theory Questions – Local Government Reforms

Lesson 3, Topic 5

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Theory Questions – Local Government Reforms

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Theory Questions and Answers – Local Government Reforms

Theory Questions and Answers – Local Government Reforms:

1. State the role of traditional rules in Local government administration from 1976.

2. State the features of 1976 Local government reforms in Nigeria.

3. Enumerate problems of Local government administration.

4. What are the measures to improve Local government administration in Nigeria?

5. Identify five ways in which the central government can improve upon the Local government system in West Africa.

6. How can Local government administration funds be improved in Nigeria?

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Responses

Theory Questions – Local Government Reforms

1. State the role of traditional rules in Local government administration from 1976.

Answer:

(i) The traditional rulers are no longer involved in direct Local Government Administration. They perform ceremonial functions by being present when important personalities visit the Local Government e.g. Visit of the President, the Governors, etc.

(ii) They advise the Local Government officials on matters that concern the customs and traditions of the people, etc.

(iii) As a custodian of the people’s customs and traditions, they help to preserve the customs and traditions of the people.

(iv) They mobilize people in their community to participate in government at various levels.

(v) They help to maintain law and order in their communities. They try and punish law offenders and settle disputes etc.

(vi) They mobilize their people to engage in community development projects.

(vii) They act as a link between their community and government by explaining government policies, programmes, and projects to the people, reporting back the feelings of the people, and their problems to the government.

2. State the features of 1976 Local government reforms in Nigeria.

Answer:

(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.

3. Enumerate problems of Local government administration.

Answer:

(i) Inadequate Funding: Funds for Local government are insufficient. The Federal and State allocations are not enough. Many local governments do not generate enough funds on their own to finance their activities.

(ii) Financial Mismanagement: Local government funds are not utilized appropriately. Some funds are embezzled or diverted to unprofitable courses.

(iii) Political Interference or Excesses Control from other levels of government. Federal and State Governments exert overbearing influences on the policies and activities of Local Governments. The State Governments interfere excessively in day to day running of Local governments.

(iv) Dearth of Qualified Personnel: Some Local government workers are poorly qualified. The better-qualified people prefer to work with the private sector, Federal and State governments where the condition of service is better. This affects the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery.

(v) Size of Local government affects its viability. Some local governments are far too large or too small for effective administration. Some of them are unable to generate enough funds.

(vi) Indiscriminate creation of Local governments has generated a number of problems. It has generated boundary disputes and other community clashes.

(vii) Tribalism, Nepotism, and Favouritism are other problems. Some political leaders may appoint officials and sight projects based on favouritism.

4. What are the measures to improve Local government administration in Nigeria?

Answer:

(i) Improved Funding: The Federal and State governments should increase the funds of local governments. Its statutory allocation from State and Federal governments shall be increased. Its share from the Federation account shall be increased.

(ii) Each Local government should use its initiative to create avenues to raise funds.

(iii) The Local government council members should be elected through transparent and regular elections.

(iv) The council members should be elected on their own merit, not on godfathers and vote-buying. Even Local government staff should be employed based on merit.

(v) Local government commission should involve a transparent action plan for local governments to generate revenue internally.

(vi) Federal and State government interference in Local governments should be minimized. They should all respect the rule of law and court judgements.

(vii) Technology should be applied in the operations of the Local government systems to enhance efficiency and check fraud.

(viii) The central government should scrutinize and approve all loans contracted by Local governments.

5. Identify five ways in which the central government can improve upon the Local government system in West Africa.

Answer:

The Central Government will Create Local Government: The State Government will initiate the creation but ratification is the responsibility of the central government.

The Central and State governments give grants to local governments. They can withhold the grant when they default.

The Central Government adjust its boundaries if there is a need.

The Local Government Service Commission approves the appointment of its Senior Staff to audit accounts, reports, budgets, etc.

In some countries, e.g. South Africa, the Central Government has the power to dissolve a local government if necessary.

6. How can Local government administration funds be improved in Nigeria?

Answer:

The Local Government can review its rates and fees where they are low. It should be increased due to the high cost of things.
Government can increase its grant from the Central Government.
The People in the Local Government should pay their rates regularly
There should be an overhauling of the revenue collection of the Local Government revenue collection sector. Only qualified officers with integrity shall be appointed to collect revenue.
The Local Government should venture into more profit-making ventures and projects to raise more money.

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