Control of Local Government

1. Judicial Control: This is the power of the court to keep the administrative acts within the limits of law. Bye-lawsBy-law is a rule established by an organization, council or board to regulate its activities and manage internal affairs. Local governments may use bylaws for various purposes, especially to regulate, prohibit... More made by the local government can be declared null and void by the courts, especially those that do not conform with the provisions of the country’s constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More.

2. Public Control: Criticism of local government activities and coming up with alternative ways that would help sanitise those activities, by the public, can help in controlling the local government and creating favourable public opinion.

3. Amendment of Laws: Laws establishing local governments can be amended by the National AssemblyThe National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a bicameral legislature established under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution. It consists of a Senate with 109 members and a... More, through the central government.

4. Withholding of Grants: Central and state governments can withhold local government grants when they default or misappropriate funds.

5. Auditing: The Local Government Service Commission, set up by the state government, audits the account book of the council, periodically, at least once a year.

6. Dissolution: In some countries, the central government has the power to dissolve, dismiss and institute inquiry into the general administration of any local government.