Cooperation and Benefits of Cooperation Between State and Local Government

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Relationship between federal, state, and local government

The central or federal government carries out functions that promote welfare of all citizens in the country.

The state government also makes laws which every citizen in the state must obey, likewise the local government which makes laws for the people in that locality.

In the allocation of powers, the federation government deals with subjects in the Exclusive list– currency, foreign affairs, census, affairs, police, immigration, custom, defence, etc.

1. The concurrent legislative list: Functions listed here are to be exercised by both the central and state governments. Functions include higher education, labour, roads, industrial development, insurance, research, etc.
2. Residual legislative list: Functions listed here are for the local governments to exercise e.g. Primary education, health/ maternity centres, library, market, motor-parks, etc.

The following represent the nature of the relationship among the federal, state, and local governments in Nigeria:

• The federal, state, and local governments are all united by the same constitution which specifies the terms of their agreement to exist as a federation.
• The leaders of the three tiers are elected into offices.
• They are all interested in the security of all citizens of Nigeria wherever they reside.
• Each tier of government has its own political and administrative capital.

 

Cooperation between local, state, and federal government

Cooperation between the three levels of government is very important because it ensures that all the affairs of the country run smoothly. When the three levels of government cooperate successfully, the country becomes better for everyone.

The state and local government receives grants from the federal government to run its affairs.

The local, state, and federal government work together by making and enforcing laws that deals with crimes.

The local, state, and federal governments work together to provide basic amenities that the people need, such as education, public healthcare, police and fire protection, environmental sanitation, and waste disposal.

Conflict between local, state, and federal government

State and local governments are expected to cooperate in order to have progress. But whenever there is any disagreement or misunderstanding between the two, there will be conflict. Likely causes of conflict are:

• The failure of the state to give what is due to the local government.
• When there is too much control on local government council by the state government.
• The failure of the local government authority to manage its area very well.
• Inadequate funds to carry out their responsibilities.

How to prevent conflict between the state and local government

In order for harmony to exist, both governments should do their work effectively. There should be a good understanding of the limitations of each levels of government.

1. The state government should give what is due to the local government.
2. The state government should reduce its excessive control over the local government authorities. The local government should be allowed to discharge its duties.
3. The local government authorities should ensure proper management of its area of jurisdiction.
4. Funds should be judiciously used and accounted for by both levels of government.

Areas of difference among the federal, state, and local governments

1. The three tiers do not have same budget.
2. The executive heads of the tiers have different titles –President, Governor and Chairman.
3. They all have different spheres of control.
4. The three tiers do not have same budget.
5. The executive heads of the tiers have different titles –President, Governor and Chairman.
6. They all have different spheres of control.
7. The President works with ministers; Governors are assisted by commissioners while the Chairperson are aided by councillors.
8. The three tiers do not have same budget.
9. The executive heads of the tiers have different titles –President, Governor and Chairman.
10. They all have different spheres of control.
11. Difference in elective age:
    • Presidential candidate – 35 years old
    • Governorship candidate – 30 years old
    • Chairperson candidate – not less than 25years old
12. Powers of legislation:
    • Exclusive power
    • Concurrent power
    • Residual power
13. Individual laws: The federal and state governments make laws known as Acts of Parliament, while the Local government makes laws known as Bye-laws.

 

 

 

 

 

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