Discuss the importance of Local Government system in Nigeria.

Explanation

The Importance of Local Government System in Nigeria:

(i)Concentration of powers: Local government system helps in reducing the over-concentration of powers in one authority.

(ii)Government at the grassroots; It helps to bring government nearer to the people in the local areas.

(iii)Rapid development: Local areas can now develop faster than before.

(iv)It serves as a link: Local governments serve as a link between the people at the local level and the central government.

(v)Mobilization of resources:Both hUman and material resources can easily be mobilized at the local level.

(vi)Removal of fears of insecurity:It removes the feeling of insecurity and fears of one ethnic group dominating others.

(vii) Preserv-ation of traditional institutions; Traditional institutions are better preserved at the local level.

(viii)Reduction of burden:The burden of the central government is reduced in this respect.

(ix)Provision of essential services: This will be made readily available to the people at the grassroots.

(x)To prepare and develop future leaders:Local governments encourage the development of leadership potentials and prepare them for elective or leadership roles at the local levels.

(xi)To educate the people: It helps in educating the people of the activities and policies of the central government.

(xii)Sense of belonging:It gives the people the opportunity to participate in matters affecting them thereby creating the sense of belonging.