Local Government In Nigeria : Definition, Importance, Functions And Structure – A local government is the administrative body for a small area, typically a community and exists as the lowest tier of government in a federal state. Local governments act within powers delegated to them by the constitution or directives of the higher levels of government which are the state’s government and the federal government.
In federal states, Local government is generally referred to as the third (or sometimes fourth) tier of government, whereas in unitary states, the local government occupies the second or third tier of government and are usually given greater powers than the higher tiers of governments.
Local government is the level of government that is nearest to civil society. It serves as an interface between society and the state. In fact, this is where democracy begins. If ideals of democracy are not well-founded at the local level, it will be absent in bigger communities.
Nigeria runs a federal system of government and is divided into 36 states. Each of these states is divided into local government areas. In total, Nigeria has 774 local government areas (L.G.As). These local government areas are managed by a local government council that has a chairman who is the Chief Executive of the LGA and other elected members who are referred to as Councillors.
Each of the areas is further subdivided into wards with a minimum of ten and a maximum of fifteen for each area. Councilors are gotten from these wards.
So Basically In this Article, I will show you everything you need to know about Nigeria Local Government and how it Operates. Without much further ado, below is the interface of what I will show you;
- Functions Of Local Government in Nigeria
- Importance of local Government In Nigeria
- Challenges Faced by the Local Government
- Reasons For Creating Local Government
- Sources of Revenue for the Local Government
- Control of the local Government
- List of all the local Government Areas In Nigeria
- The Richest Local Government Areas in Nigeria
FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN NIGERIA
The functions of Local Governments are clearly spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution and include:
- Collection of taxes and fees from organizations and companies
- Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds, and homes for the destitute or sick.
- Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheelbarrows, and carts.
- Ensuring order and maintenance of public facilities in public places such as markets and motor parks. They also ensure tax and fee payments and maintenance of good sanitation and law and order.
- Provision of amenities such as roads, streets, drains, public conveniences, and other public highways
- Construction and maintenance of public transports, roads, streets, drains and other public highways, parks, and open spaces;
- Evaluation of residential properties via naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses for the purpose of levying taxes,
- Town planning roles to ensure that people situate their houses in the right locations and away from prospective dangerous places such as under high tension power lines, drainage ways, flood-prone areas, etc.
- Administration of primary health centres such as maternity clinics, dispensaries leprosy clinics are the responsibilities of the local government.
- Responsible for refuse disposal
- Births, deaths and marriage registrations
- Water supply to communities via drilling of boreholes and water pumping and processing stations and setting up water networks to areas under their administration
- In the agricultural sector, local government can provide agricultural incentives such as tractors for hire, subsidized fertilizer, essential chemicals and enlightenment to grassroots farmers on modern agricultural trends.
- The local government helps to maintain law and order through vigilante groups, civil defence corps and other members of the task force that compliment the police
- Ensure proper functioning of educational systems, medical sector, agricultural sector, and other crucial aspects.
- Construction and maintenance of the primary school, buildings and the welfare of pupils through free or minimally subsidized education.
- Control and regulation of outdoor advertising, movement and keeping of pets of all descriptions, shops and kiosks, restaurants and other places for sale of food to the public, and laundries
- Responsible for the environmental sanitation through monthly sanitation to provide a healthy environment for living and business
- Local government is responsible for promoting afforestation in local communities through the planting of trees, maintenance of gardens, and the prohibition of illegal felling of trees.
- Inspection of food items and products sold in the market to ensure the safety of the public. Such food items include meat sold in abattoirs; ensuring such goes through clean processes so as to avoid food poisoning.
- Collection of rates on radio and television licenses
- Public enlightenment and dissemination of Information in cases of epidemic or disease outbreak, events such as immunization programmes. Since the local government is close to the grassroots, such crucial information will get to them on time.
- Establishing and maintaining a functioning library and reading room accessible to the general public housing services: The local government is responsible for providing affordable housing for rent and ownership for the public
- Control of traffic: The local government is responsible for traffic warnings that will ensure proper traffic management and safety for road users
- Fire service: It is the responsibility of the local government authorities to ensure a functional fire service department to attend to the urgent needs o the public in case of a fire emergency
- The local government is to promote the Arts and culture of the locality
- Establishment of a customary court to handle disputes in the community
- Control of environmental pollution by ensuring good waste management systems
- It is important to note that a local government only performs roles that are disbursed to it by the state or federal government
Challenges Confronting Local Government Administration
Undue interference from state government: Many of the functions that are supposed to be handled by the local government authorities are taken over by the state especially those that have to with revenue collection and unfortunately, the dues are not remitted to the local government.
Insufficient financing: This leads to the second point in which local government administrations are broke and often find it difficult to pay workers and to provide basic amenities to their people under them
Poor leadership: Most chairmen of local government councils and councilors are not well qualified to take the position but are appointed based on bias and
Lack of Autonomy: The local government bodies need more independence and freedom so as to carry out their functions properly. Due to external influences and interferences, local governments’ administrations cannot function well the creation of excess local government areas: Government areas are created according to certain criteria such as landmass, population, revenue, and others. But in recent years, local governments have been created based on political biases which lead to redundant administrations.
Corruption: Over the years, local government administrations have not proven to be always accountable and transparent in their dealings. This has affected the relationship between citizens they are meant to be close to and the local government authorities.
REASONS FOR CREATING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
1. Participatory democracy: Local governments provide an opportunity for the citizens to practise the democratic form of government in their community. They learn the techniques and skills of politics, by campaigning and contesting elections to represent their wards in the local government council. The training at this level prepares them for greater political participation at the state and national levels.
2. Bringing government closer to the citizens: Local governments are created to enable them to fashion out good policies and programmes which the local communities require. Local government functionaries are representatives of the central government and are empowered to enact bylaws, which would protect the collective interests of the people at the local level.
3. Equitable socio-economic development: Local governments are created to serve as a means of distributing the resources of the country equitably, for the socio-economic development of their localities. This is done through the equitable sharing of the resources and amenities of the country between the different tiers of government.
4. Choice of leadership: Local governments give people the opportunity to elect their own people as their representatives in the local government council. These personnel exercise governmental powers on behalf of the people, understand their people more than ’outsiders’ and are accountable to the electorate.
5. Familiarity: Local governments are more knowledgeable and thus better equipped to handle cases involving religion, matrimony, land, chieftaincy disputes, history and communal clashes between different communities in their areas.
6. Communal participation in development: Local governments provide a forum for the people to establish development associations, to resolve their joint communal problems, and work together to provide facilities like pipe-borne water, electricity, schools and hospitals which individuals may not be able to provide and which has not been provided by the central government.
7. The link between the people and the government: Local governments act as a link between the rulers and the ruled. They educate the people on the policies of the state and national governments and give government a feedback on the response and needs of the people.
8. Experimentation of government policies: The local governments are often used as experimental grounds for testing the policies and programmes of the government. The tests are often carried out in selected local government areas to determine the suitability of such programmes.
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Below are the importance of local government in a state:
- It brings the government nearer to the people
- It allows for popular participation in politics
- Local government reduces the centralization of power in the central government
- It reduces the work load in administering the affairs of the people
- Local government helps to ensure effectiveness in government implementation of policies
- Local government promotes democracy in a state
- Local government acts as training ground for leadership positions at the national
level - It acts as a two-way channel of communication between the local
population and the central government
SOURCES OF REVENUE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Grants from the federal or state government
Grants are money made available to local governments to help them carry out their programmes. These could be block or general grants, matching grants or special grants.
A block grant is based on population, the matching grant is to aid local governments on large projects or provision of infrastructure, while special grants are made to assist local governments in providing some services of national importance, e. g. education and health.
2. Statutory allocations
The Nigerian constitution stipulates that the revenue of the federation shall be shared between the three tiers of government, i.e. the federal, state and local governments.
Consequently, local governments receive a percentage of the federally generated revenue annually. This percentage changes with time, according to acts and decrees.
3. Loans from banks
A local government can obtain loans from financial institutions to enable them to finance development projects such as water supply, rural electricity, construction of roads and provision of health facilities.
4. Rates
Rates refer to the levies collected by local government authorities from the services the council provides. The rates are collected on market stalls, motor parks, supermarkets and shops.
Some rates are also collected from bicycle and motor-cycle licences, television, radio sets, etc.
5. Special levies
This refers to levies imposed on the residents of local governments as a means of generating internal revenue.
6. Income from commercial ventures
One of the sources of revenue to local governments is income from their commercial activities. Some local governments maintain transport services, farms, holiday resorts, consultancy services, guest houses, etc.
7. Income from investments
Local governments derive revenue by investing their money in profit yielding economic ventures such as buying of shares, entering into partnership with viable commercial organizations, and financing economic projects that could provide good revenue in return.
8. Personal income tax
Local government councils collect income taxes from non-salary earners, keep some percentage of what is collected, and pay the balance to the state government.
Salary earners are excluded from payment of personal income tax as a result of the PAY AS YOU EARN (P.A.Y.E.) system, in which their taxes are deducted at source by their employers and paid directly to government.
9. Court fines
Court fines are imposed on individuals that violate local government bylaws, sanitary regulations and ban on street trading and hawking.
10. Property or tenement rate
Property or tenement rate is imposed on the owners of private and commercial houses. It is based on the value of the building and property.
LIST OF ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN NIGERIA
1. Abia State made up of 17 Local Government Areas which include:
Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiala Ngwa South, Ikwuano, Isiala, Ngwa North, Isukwuato, Ukwa West, Ukwa East, Umuahia, Umuahia South.
2. Adamawa State is made up of 22 Local Government Areas which include:
Demsa, Fufore, Ganye, Girei, Gombi, Jada, Yola North, Lamurde, Madagali, Maiha, Mayo-Belwa, Michika, Mubi South, Numna, Shelleng, Song,Toungo, Jimeta, Yola South, Hung.
3. Anambra State is made up of 21 Local Government Areas which include:
Aguata,Anambra, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka South, Awka North, Ogbaru, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Orumba North, Orumba South, Oyi.
4. Akwa Ibom State is made up of 31 Local Government Areas which include:
Abak, eastern Obolo, Eket, Essien Udim, Etimekpo, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika, Ikono,Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Ini, Itu, Mbo, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Obot Akara, Okobo, Onna, Orukanam, Oron, Udung Uko,Ukanafun,Esit Eket, Uruan, Urue Offoung, Oruko Ete, Uyo.
5. Bauchi State is made up of 20 Local Government Areas which include:
Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Darazo, Dass, Gamawa, Ganjuwa, Giade, Jama`are, Katagum, Kirfi, Misau, Ningi, hira, Tafawa Balewa, Itas gadau, Toro,Warji, Zaki, Dambam.
6. Bayelsa State is made up of 9 Local Government Areas which include:
Brass, Ekeremor, Kolok/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama,Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa, Membe.
7. Benue State is made up of 22 Local Government Areas which include:
Ador, Agatu, Apa, Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer east, Gwer west, Kastina,-ala, Konshisha, Kwande, Logo, Makurdii, Obi, Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Oju, Okpokwu, Oturkpo, Tarka, Ukum, Vandekya.
8. Borno State is made up of 27 Local Government Areas which include:
Abadan, Askira/Uba, Bama,Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Dikwagubio, Guzamala, Gwoza, Hawul, Jere, Kaga, Kalka/Balge, Konduga, Kukawa, Kwaya-ku, Mafa, Magumeri, Maiduguri, Marte, Mobbar, Monguno, Ngala, Nganzai, Shani.
9. Cross River State is made up of 18 Local Government Areas which include:
Abia, Akampa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Bekwara, Biase, Boki, Calabar south, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja,, Ugep north, Yala, Yarkur.
10. Delta State is made up of 25 Local Government Areas which include:
Aniocha south, Anioha, Bomadi, Burutu, Ethiope west, Ethiope east, Ika south, Ika north east, Isoko south,Isoko north, Ndokwa east, Ndokwa west, Okpe,Oshimili north, Oshimili south, Patani, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli south, Ughelli north, Ukwuani, Uviwie, Warri central, Warri north, Warri south.
11. Ebonyi State is made up of 13 Local Government Areas which include:
Abakaliki, Afikpo south, Afikpo north, Ebonyi,Ezza, Ezza south, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu, Onicha, Izzi.
12. Edo State is made up of 19 Local Government Areas which include:
Akoko-Edo, Egor,Essann east, Esan south east, Esan central,Esan west, Etsako central, Etsako east, Etsako, Orhionwon,Ivia north,Ovia south west, Owan west, Owan south, Uhunwonde.
13. Ekiti State is made up of 16 Local Government Areas which include:
Ado Ekiti, Effon Alaiye, Ekiti south west, Ekiti west, Ekiti east, Emure/ise, Orun, Ido,Osi, Ijero, Ikere, Ikole, Ilejemeje,Irepodun, Ise/Orun,Moba, Oye, Aiyekire.
14. Enugu State Is made up of 17 Local Government Areas which include:
Awgu, Aninri, Enugu east, Enugu south, Enugu north, Ezeagu, Igbo Eze north, Igbi etiti, Nsukka,Oji river, Undenu,Uzo Uwani, Udi.
15. Gombe State is made up of 11 Local Government Areas which include:
Akko, Balanga, Billiri, Dukku, Dunakaye, Gombe, Kaltungo, Kwami, Nafada/Bajoga, Shomgom, Yamaltu/Deba.
16. Imo State is made up of 27 Local Government Areas which include:
Aboh-mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime-Mbaino, Ezinhite, Ideato North, Ideato south, Ihitte/Uboma, Ikeduru, Isiala, Isu, Mbaitoli, Ngor Okpala, Njaba, Nwangele, Nkwere, Obowo, Aguta, Ohaji Egbema, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orlu, Orsu, Oru west, Oru, Owerri, Owerri North, Owerri south.
17. Jigawa State is made up of 27 Local Government Areas which include:
Auyo, Babura, Birnin- Kudu, Birniwa, Buji, Dute, Garki, Gagarawa, Gumel , Guri, Gwaram, Gwiwa, Hadeji, Jahun, Kafin-Hausa, kaugama, Kazaure, Kirikisamma, Birnin-magaji, Maigatari, Malamaduri, Miga, Ringim, Roni, Sule Tankarka, Taura, Yankwasi.
18. Kaduna State is made up of 23 Local Government Areas which include:
Brnin Gwari, Chukun, Giwa, Kajuru, Igabi, Ikara, Jaba, Jema`a, Kachia, Kaduna North, Kaduna south, Kagarok, Kauru, Kabau, Kudan, Kere, Makarfi, Sabongari, Sanga, Soba, Zangon-Kataf, Zaria.
19. Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) is made up of only 6 Local Government Areas which include:
Abaji, Abuja Municipal. Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali.
20. Kano State is made up of 44 Local Government Areas which include:
Ajigi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dambatta, Dawakin kudu, Dawakin tofa, doguwa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Garun mallam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Gwarzo, Kano, Karay, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbtso, Kunch, Kura, Maidobi, Makoda, MInjibir Nassarawa, Rano, Rimin gado, Rogo, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tarauni, Tofa, Tsanyawa, Tudunwada, Ungogo, Warawa, Wudil.
21. Kastina State is made up of 34 Local Government Areas which include:
Bakori, Batagarawa, Batsari, Baure, Bindawa, Charanchi, Dan- Musa, Dandume,Danja, Daura, Dutsi, Dutsin `ma, Faskar, Funtua, Ingawa, Jibiya, Kafur, Kaita, Kankara, Kankiya, Katsina, Furfi, Kusada.Mai aduwa, Malumfashi, Mani, Mash, Matazu, Musawa, Rimi, Sabuwa, Safana, Sandamu,Zango.
22. Kebbi State is made up of 22 Local Government Areas which include:
Aliero, Arewa Dandi, Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Dandi, Danko, Fakai, Gwandu, Jeda, Kalgo, Koko-besse, Maiyaama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Wasugu, Yauri, Zuru.
23. Kogi State is made up of 20 Local Government Areas which include:
Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Yagba east, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela, Ijumu, Kabba bunu, Kogi, Mopa muro, Ofu, Ogori magongo, Okehi, Okene, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba west.
24. Kwara State is made up of 16 Local Government Areas which include:
Asa, Baruten, Ede, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin south, Ilorin west, Ilorin east, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke ero, Oyun, Pategi.
25. Lagos State is made up of 20 Local Government Areas which include:
Agege, Alimosho Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju- Lekki,Ifako/Ijaye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi -Isolo, Shomolu,Surulere.
26. Nassarawa State is made up of 13 Local Government Areas which include:
Akwanga, Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nassarawa, Nassarawa/Eggon, Obi, Toto, Wamba.
27. Niger State is made up of 24 Local Government Areas which include:
Agaie, Agwara, Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchanga, Edati, Gbako, Gurara, Kitcha, Kontagora,Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mariga, Mokwa, Moshegu, Muya, Paiko,Rafi, Shiroro, Suleija, Tawa-Wushishi.
28. Ogun State is made up of 19 Local Government Areas which include:
Abeokuta south,Abeokuta north, Ado-odo/otta, Agbado south, Agbado north, Ewekoro, Idarapo, Ifo, Ijebu east, Ijebu north, Ikenne, Ilugun Alaro, Imeko afon, Ipokia, Obafemi/owode, Odeda, Odogbolu, Ogun waterside, Sagamu.
29. Ondo State is made up of 18 Local Government Areas which include:
Akoko north, Akoko north east, Akoko south east, Akoko south, Akure north, Akure, Idanre, Ifedore, Ese odo, Ilaje, Ilaje oke-igbo, Irele, Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ondo, Ondo east, Ose, Owo.
30. Osun State is made up of 30 Local Government Areas which include:
Atakumosa west, Atakumosa east, Ayeda-ade, Ayedire, Bolawaduro, Boripe, Ede, Ede north, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ife north, Ife central, Ife south, Ife east, Ifedayo, Ifelodun, Ilesha west, Ila- orangun, Ilesah east, Irepodun, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo-otin, ola oluwa, olorunda, Oriade, Orolu, Osogbo.
31. Oyo State is made up of 33 Local Government Areas which include:
Afijio, Akinyele, Attba, Atigbo, Egbeda, Ibadan, north east, Ibadan central, Ibadan south east, Ibadan west south, Ibarapa east, Ibarapa north, Ido, Ifedapo, Ifeloju, Irepo,Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Iwajowa olorunshogo, Kajola, Lagelu, Ogbomosho north, Ogbomosho south, Ogo oluwa, Oluyole,Ona ara, Ore lope, Orire,Oyo east, Oyo west, Saki east, Saki west, Surulere.
32. Plateau State is made up of 17 Local Government Areas which include:
Barkin/ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos,north, Jos east, Jos south, Kanam, kiyom, Langtang north Langtang south, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshin, Qua`an pan,Shendam, Wase.
33. Rivers State is made up of 23 Local Government Areas which include:
Abua/Odial, Ahoada west, Akuku toru, Andoni, Asari toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Khana, Obio/Akpor, Ogba east /Edoni, Ogu/bolo, Okrika, Omumma, Opobo/Nkoro, Portharcourt,Tai.
34. Sokoto State is made up of 22 Local Government Areas which include:
Binji, Bodinga, Dange/shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illella, Kebbe, Kware, Rabah, Sabon -Birni, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto south, Sokoto north, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wamakko,Wurno, Yabo.
35. Taraba State is made up of 16 Local Government Areas which include:
Akdo -kola, Bali, Donga, Gashaka, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, K/Lamido, Kurmi, lan, Sardauna, Tarum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro, Zing.
36. Yobe State is made up of 17 Local Government Areas which include:
Borsari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gogaram, Gujba, Gulani, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Machina, Nagere, Nguru, Potiskum, Tarmua, Yunusari, Yusufari,G ashua.
37. Zamfara State is made up of 14 Local Government Areas which include:
Anka, bukkuyum, Dungudu, Chafe, Gummi, Gusau, Isa, Kaura/Namoda, Mradun, Maru, Shinkafi, Talata/Mafara, Zumi.
Richest Local Government Areas in Nigeria Today
1. Lagos Island LG
Lagos Island also known as Isale Eko is among the richest LGA’s in Nigeria with a population of about 200,000 residents. This local government area occupies the western side of Lagos Island while the other east side is occupied by residents of the LGA of Eti-Osa.
There are about 3 large bridges linking Lagos Island via the Lagos Lagoon to Ebute Metta district. Also connected to the west of the Island is the Lagos harbour district of Apapa which also is linked to Ikoyi and Victoria Island. History suggests that Isale Eko was home to the majority of the Brazilian slave trade returnees as they settled at the island, living on Broad street, Marina.
Today, you can find various top organizations located at this area especially the head-offices of top Nigerian banks such as UBA, WEMA, Central Bank of Nigeria etc. Also located at east of Lagos Island is the popular Balogun and Idumota market whose internal generated revenue sustains the LGA.
While this area is congested with traffic and poor housing infrastructures, there are also major landmarks in Lagos Island. Some of them include: Tom Jones Memorial Hall and Library, Bookshop House, the Cathedral Church of Christ, Bank of Industry, Nigerian Ports Authority head office, etc.
2. Ikeja Local Government
Ikeja is another richest LGA in the country and it is the capital city of Lagos state. Development in this local government is top-notch as it is a city well planned with commercial activities, industrial activities and a well designed transit system to navigate round its environs.
The popular Computer village which is the biggest computer accessories market also known as Otigba has over 3000 shops. This area is of economic importance to Ikeja local government area and is one area that fetches money for the LGA.
Ikeja is also very large and houses an International airport, Muritala Muhammed Airport. There is also the popular Ikeja City Mall also called Shoprite and Lagos State Government House, Alausa. Places such as Oregun, Opebi, Ogba, Akiode, Alausa, Magodo, Maryland, Agidingbi and Computer Village are famous districts in Ikeja LGA.
3. Abuja municipal LG
The Abuja Municipal is by far the most powerful local government area in Nigeria because it is the location of the official seat of the president of Nigeria and even the National Assembly. Also within this area is the headquarters of international bodies such as ECOWAS and OPEC.
The local government that is by far the best in the country is Abuja municipal as it is receive funds from the presidency. It is even the most secured LG in the federation. You can see that development in this area is unique as tall buildings, skyscrapers, well built houses that are well spaced, popular five star hotels such as Abuja Sheraton and NICON Hilton are all located there in Abuja municipal.
4. Eti Osa Local Government
Eti-Osa is a popular local government area in Lagos State, Nigeria comprising of different council areas such as Ikoyi-Obalande LCDA, Eti-Osa East LCDA, and Iru Victoria Island LCDA. It is even said that the richest people in Nigeria, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga and Folorunso Alakija all reside in this area.
The number of residents that makes up the population of Eti-Osa is about 283,791 persons which is just 3.11% of the state’s total population. Economic wise, this area is home to businesses that have both local and international presence as it is close to developed neighbourhood in the state; Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island.
5. Ibeju Lekki Local Government
Although Ibeju Lekki is another rich LGA situated in Lagos state, they are mostly known for industrial housing estates, spacious lands and their beautiful gardens.
The presence of the Lekki commercial free trade zone which is still under development makes this LG a futuristic business zone, coupled with the 12MW independent power plant which is still under construction by the China-Africa Lekki investment company, Dangote oil refinery is sure to make this local government a big one.
6. Uyo LG
Uyo is the capital of Akwa Ibom, one of the richest states in Nigeria. Over the years, Uyo is blessed with many natural resources and has infrastructural development ranging from the good roads networks, bridges, schools and other tourist centres that boosts its economy.
The best stadium in the country “Godswill Akpabio Stadium” is also located there. The Uyo local government area is said to attract foreigners, tourists and investments.
7. Calabar Municipal Local Government
The Calabar Municipal is among the wealthy LGA in Nigeria situated in Cross rivers state. It has an area of 142 km² and a population of over 179,392 using the 2006 census as a yardstick.
The roads are well constructed and the city is surrounded by tourist centers such as the Calabar Tinapa resort, Obudu cattle ranch and many more. The postal code is 540.
8. Bonny Island
Also on out list of richest local government areas in the country is Bonny Island, a beautiful place located in Rivers state. This area is known for its infrastructural advancement with tarred roads, efficient water supply to all residents of its environs.
Bonny Island also has Nigeria liquefied natural gas plant (NLNG) which supplies the Nigerian city with 24/7 electricity power supply. Transportation to the Island is by ferry or boat while the language spoken there is mostly Ibani and Igbo.
9. Obio-Akpor LGA
Obio Akpor is the richest LGA in Nigeria and the main economic power base of the Niger Delta region. It houses the major refineries including top oil and gas firms.
You can find natural gas at Obio-Akpor as most oil found in Nigeria are exploited there.
10. Ibadan Northwest Local Government
The largest city in West Africa is Ibadan and this area also produced the first TV station in Africa. In fact, the history of Nigeria won’t be complete if you don’t mention this LGA.
CONCLUSION
From the above explanation, there is no doubt that local government does more good to a state than bad. The importance and relevance of creating local governments in a large and heterogeneous country cannot be over emphasized. Research has shown that it will help to reduce difficulties in administering the affairs of the people and promote unity in the country as a whole.
Hope this article was helpful? I believe you got exactly what you were searching for in this page. Nonetheless, if you still have any question or contribution to make on the Definition, importance and structure of Local government in a state, make sure you send it via the comment section below. I will be glad to hear from you!