SS2: GOVERNMENT – 2ND TERM Structure of Local Government | Week 2 Theory Questions – Structure of Local Government

Lesson 2, Topic 7

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Theory Questions – Structure of Local Government

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Theory Questions and Answers – Structure of Local Government

Theory Questions and Answers – Structure of Local Government:

1. Trace the evolution of Local Government in Nigeria.

2. Describe the structure of Local Government in Nigeria

3. What are the sources of Funds of Local Government in Nigeria?

4. How can the revenue base of the Local Government be improved?

5. In what ways are the Local Governments related to State or Central Government?

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Evaluation Questions

1. Trace the evolution of Local Government in Nigeria.

Answer:

Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria can be traced back to the introduction of indirect rule in 1914. The British Colonial Administrative system, where the colonial administrators ruled the African colonies through the traditional authorities.

These traditional authorities were involved in the collection of Taxes. It attracted pockets of revolts in 1929, the Aba women’s riot, and the Iseyin revolt in 1938. Around 1946, Native authorities were reorganized along with the British system, especially in Eastern and Western regions. Multi-tier systems were put in place while the North maintained the sole native authority system. From 1970 after the Civil War, a single-tier system of local government was maintained in Eastern and midwestern states.

2. Describe the structure of Local Government in Nigeria.

Answer:

Each Local Government authority has an elected Chairman, councillors and career Civil Servants. Each Council is headed by a Chairman who is elected for a three-year term. Each council must have at least one Finance and General Purpose Committee and any other two outstanding committees. The Chairman exercises executive powers.

The council has in membership, the Chairman and elected councillors. They perform legislative functions. They make bye-laws.

The Chairman and Secretary to the local government service commission, at the state level, appoints promotes and disciplines local government officers.

3. What are the sources of funds for Local Government in Nigeria?

Answer:

Statutory Allocation From Federal Government: The Federal Government Statutorily allocates a certain percentage of public revenue to the Local Government.

State Allocation: The Constitution also mandates the state government to allocate 10% of its revenue to the local government.

Grants: Federal and State can also give grants to local governments for specific projects.

Rates: Local governments also generate revenue from rates they charge fees to the public such as water rates, tenement rates, Capital rates, Radio rates, etc.

Fees and Fines: They charge fees for different services such as registration of births, deaths, marriages and licensing, motor parks, market stalls, etc.

Levies: Local government generates revenue from levies such as special levies on development.

Returns on investment: Some local governments undertake commercial ventures to generate funds such as transport businesses, plantation dividends from shares, small-scale industries, etc.

4. How can the revenue base of the Local Government be improved?

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 grants from the central government.
The people in the local government should pay their rates regularly.
The accounts of local governments should be audited regularly for early detection of fraud and to ensure strict adherence to financial regulations.
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.

5. In what ways are the Local Governments related to State or Central Government?

Answer:

The Central Government creates Local Government; The State Government will initiate the creation but ratification is the responsibility of the central government.
The Central Government adjust its boundaries if there is a need.
Central and State governments give grants to Local Governments; They can withhold the grant when they default.
The Local Government Service Commission, set up by the state government, approves the appointment of its senior staff to audit accounts, reports, budgets, etc. in order to enhance sound management.
In some countries e.g. South Africa, the central government has the power to dissolve a local government if necessary.

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