Project – The impact of inter Governmental Relations on local government in Nigeria. A case study of Ajeromi- ifelodun LGA, Lagos State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Inter-governmental relations (IGR) refer to the interactions between different levels of government—federal, state, and local. In Nigeria, these relations are critical in shaping the functions and responsibilities of local governments, especially in the context of service delivery, financial autonomy, and administrative efficiency. The structure of IGR in Nigeria is a complex web, with frequent overlaps and tensions between the three levels. While the federal government holds considerable powers, local governments are often left dependent on both the state and federal authorities for resources, which can impact their autonomy and effectiveness (Akinwale, 2016). Understanding the impact of IGR on local government operations is vital, as it reveals the challenges and opportunities in governance at the grassroots level, particularly in urbanized and densely populated areas like Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State.

The constitutional framework that governs IGR in Nigeria is outlined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that local governments are an integral part of the federation. However, despite this recognition, local governments often experience subordination and marginalization, with their autonomy limited by both state and federal interventions. According to Adebayo (2019), while local governments are constitutionally empowered to administer local services, their dependency on the state and federal government for financial resources, especially through statutory allocations, significantly hampers their capacity to perform effectively. This issue is particularly evident in Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, where local governance is often influenced by the directives from Lagos State, alongside federal government policies, complicating the operational independence of the local council.

The dynamics of IGR within Lagos State and its impact on local governance are highlighted by the dependency syndrome that local governments face in terms of funding and decision-making. In the case of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, local government authorities are often subject to the priorities and policies of Lagos State, which has a significant influence on the local political and economic landscape. Olorunnisola (2017) argues that this arrangement tends to restrict the local government’s ability to initiate and implement projects independently, as local government councils are often forced to align their initiatives with the strategic interests of the state government. The financial arrangement, in particular, limits local governments to the discretionary allocations made by the state, which can undermine their ability to fully meet the needs of their constituencies.

Furthermore, inter-governmental relations in Nigeria are often marred by coordination and communication challenges. There is a lack of effective collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments, leading to inefficiencies in the implementation of policies and programs. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, this is evidenced by the fragmented delivery of social services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. According to Omotayo (2021), the lack of synergy between the local government and the state government in planning and executing projects results in duplicated efforts and underutilization of available resources. Furthermore, the failure to coordinate effectively can cause delays in project execution and the inefficiency of public service delivery, ultimately affecting the quality of life for local residents.

A key challenge that emerges from these inter-governmental dynamics is the issue of political influence. The local government system in Nigeria is often subjected to state and federal political interventions, particularly during elections. Political considerations at the state or federal levels frequently overshadow the interests of local government councils, as seen in Ajeromi-Ifelodun. The overlap between party politics at various levels of government sometimes leads to conflicts and power struggles that undermine the focus on governance and service delivery. As Akinyele (2020) observes, the political manipulation of local government structures further limits the efficacy of local governance, as it distracts from the fundamental goal of serving the people and improving living conditions.

Despite the challenges, some scholars have noted the potential for improving IGR to enhance the effectiveness of local governments. According to Adebayo and Oladosu (2018), improved coordination and clearer delineation of responsibilities between the different levels of government could lead to better service delivery and greater accountability. The establishment of more robust mechanisms for financial transparency, inter-governmental dialogue, and collaborative governance could significantly enhance the impact of local governments in Nigeria. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, promoting transparency and accountability at the local government level, while fostering stronger collaboration with the state government, could lead to better outcomes for local residents, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, public health, and education.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Inter-governmental relations (IGR) in Nigeria play a significant role in shaping the performance of local governments, particularly in terms of policy implementation, resource distribution, and governance efficiency. However, the relationship between the federal, state, and local governments often leads to challenges that impact local government effectiveness, especially in densely populated areas like Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State. The problem stems from the inadequate or inefficient interaction between these governmental levels, leading to resource misallocation, duplication of efforts, and, ultimately, suboptimal service delivery at the local level. This scenario raises critical concerns about how inter-governmental relations affect the capacity of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA to meet the growing needs of its residents.

A key issue within this framework is the financial dependency of local governments on the state and federal governments. Local governments in Nigeria, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, are heavily reliant on federal allocations and state financial interventions for their operations, which severely limits their autonomy and capacity to address local needs. This dependency creates a situation where local governments are unable to prioritize local issues independently, as their actions are often influenced by the political and financial priorities set by higher levels of government. The resultant inefficiency in managing local resources and projects directly affects the quality of services provided to the citizens of Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

Furthermore, political interference in local government administration exacerbates the problem. In many cases, the political dynamics at the state or federal level have a direct impact on the functioning of local governments. These interferences may manifest in the form of manipulation, undermining the local government’s ability to execute its duties objectively. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, the influence of state political leaders often overrides the priorities of the local council, leaving the local government vulnerable to external political pressures. This political influence compromises the impartiality and transparency that are essential for effective governance and diminishes local government accountability to the citizens.

Another issue arising from the interplay between federal, state, and local governments is the poor coordination of policies and programs. While the constitution provides for clear roles and responsibilities for each level of government, the implementation of policies often suffers from a lack of synergy and communication between the different levels. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, this lack of coordination results in fragmented and sometimes duplicated service delivery initiatives. For instance, federal and state programs may overlap in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, which not only wastes resources but also leads to inefficiencies and confusion among local residents about where to access services. Such disconnects hinder the effectiveness of local governance.

The problem is further compounded by the weak administrative structures within local governments. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, as in many other parts of Nigeria, local government bureaucracies are often inefficient, with limited capacity to manage the funds and implement policies assigned to them. The lack of professional training, technical expertise, and well-established processes to handle inter-governmental collaboration further exacerbates the situation. This leads to delays in the execution of projects, mismanagement of public funds, and an overall decline in the local government’s ability to fulfill its role as the closest tier of governance to the people.

Lastly, the absence of a clear and structured framework for effective inter-governmental communication and collaboration further deepens the problem. The failure to establish regular channels of communication between the federal, state, and local governments often results in confusion, conflicting policies, and poor alignment of development objectives. In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, the lack of consistent inter-governmental dialogue leads to inefficiencies in addressing pressing local issues such as poverty, poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and high unemployment. These governance challenges ultimately prevent local governments from achieving their developmental goals, which significantly impacts the well-being of the residents who depend on their services.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of inter Governmental Relations on local government in Nigeria. A case study of Ajeromi- ifelodun LGA, Lagos State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To analyze the historical background of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria and its impact on local government structures.
2. To examine the legal framework governing intergovernmental relations in Nigeria and its implications for local government autonomy.
3. To assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between different levels of government in Nigeria.
4. To identify challenges for improving intergovernmental relations to enhance local government performance and service delivery.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the historical background of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria and how has it impacted local government structures?
2. What is the legal framework governing intergovernmental relations in Nigeria and how does it affect local government autonomy?
3. How effective are the existing mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between different levels of government in Nigeria?
4. What are the challenges for improving intergovernmental relations to enhance local government performance and service delivery?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Inter Governmental Relations has no significant impact on the effectiveness of Local Government in Nigeria

H1: Inter Governmental Relations has significant impact on the effectiveness of Local Government in Nigeria

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides a deeper understanding of the impact of inter-governmental relations (IGR) on local governance in Nigeria, specifically focusing on Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State. Local governments play a crucial role in the delivery of services to citizens, as they are the closest tier of governance to the people. By exploring how interactions between the federal, state, and local governments affect the functioning and performance of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, the research highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise from these relationships. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving the governance framework and ensuring that local governments effectively meet the needs of their constituents.

The findings from this study will provide critical insights into the financial constraints faced by local governments due to their dependency on state and federal allocations. Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, like many others in Nigeria, depends heavily on external funds for its operations, which limits its autonomy in addressing local issues. By analyzing the impact of this dependency, the study will contribute to the ongoing discussions about decentralizing revenue generation, enhancing financial independence for local governments, and promoting fiscal autonomy. The study’s recommendations may also inform policy decisions aimed at empowering local governments to become more self-reliant and better equipped to meet their developmental goals.

Additionally, this research is important in shedding light on the political aspects of inter-governmental relations, particularly the influence of state and federal politics on local governance. Political interference has often undermined the effectiveness of local governments in Nigeria, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun is no exception. This study will explore the extent to which political factors affect the decision-making process at the local government level and how such interference hinders the delivery of services to local populations. By examining this issue in the context of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, the study will contribute valuable knowledge on how political considerations can either support or detract from the work of local councils.

Furthermore, the research will emphasize the need for better coordination between the various levels of government. As Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA faces challenges related to the duplication of efforts and inefficiencies in service delivery, the study will examine how better communication and collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments could lead to more effective governance. The importance of aligning policies and ensuring a clear division of responsibilities between the different levels of government cannot be overstated. Findings from this study will be useful in advocating for improved mechanisms to foster inter-governmental collaboration, which is crucial for more efficient service delivery and resource utilization at the local government level.

Another significant aspect of this study is its potential to contribute to the literature on local government administration in Nigeria. While there has been substantial research on the role of local governments, the specific focus on inter-governmental relations and its impact on local governance in Lagos State is underexplored. This study will fill a gap in the existing body of knowledge by providing an empirical analysis of the specific challenges faced by Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, which can serve as a case study for other LGAs in Nigeria. By examining the unique context of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, the research will offer lessons that could be applicable to other urban local governments in the country.

Lastly, the practical implications of this study are significant for policymakers, local government administrators, and civil society organizations. By identifying the key challenges faced by Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA due to inter-governmental relations, the study will provide actionable recommendations that could lead to the improvement of local governance. These recommendations may include policy reforms, capacity building for local government officials, and the establishment of frameworks to ensure financial autonomy and political neutrality at the local government level. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more efficient, accountable, and responsive local government system in Nigeria, which is vital for enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens.

 

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of inter Governmental Relations on local government in Nigeria. A case study of Ajeromi- ifelodun LGA, Lagos State.

 

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Impact: Impact refers to the strong effect or influence something has on a situation, individual, group, or process. It can relate to outcomes in various contexts, such as social, environmental, economic, or political changes.
2. Intergovernmental Relations (IGR): Intergovernmental relations refer to the interactions and collaborative efforts between different levels of government, such as national, regional, state, or local authorities. It encompasses cooperation, coordination, and sometimes conflict between these entities in matters of policy, governance, and administration.
3. Local Government: Local government refers to the administration and governance of smaller geographical areas, such as cities, towns, or counties. It includes elected officials and public agencies that manage community needs such as law enforcement, public services, education, and infrastructure. Local governments have the authority granted by higher levels of government to regulate, manage, and provide services within their jurisdictions.

Project – The impact of inter Governmental Relations on local government in Nigeria. A case study of Ajeromi- ifelodun LGA, Lagos State