Definition of local government by following:
1. Harry maddick
2. United Nations
3. 1976 local government reform
Harry Maddick, in his book Democracy, Decentralisation, and Development (1963),
provides a widely referenced definition of local government. Maddick defines local
government as:
“Local government is the government by popularly elected bodies charged with
administrative and executive duties in matters concerning the inhabitants of a
particular district or place.”
This definition emphasizes key elements of local government:
1. Democratic Nature: Local government involves elected representatives who are
accountable to the people within their jurisdiction.
2. Decentralization: It is a form of decentralized governance that allows decision-
making closer to the community level.
3. Specific Jurisdiction: It operates within a defined geographical area or
district.
4. Administrative and Executive Role: Local governments manage and execute public
policies, programs, and services within their locality.
5. Focus on Local Needs: Their primary purpose is to address the specific needs and
concerns of the people in their area.
Maddick’s work highlights the importance of decentralization in fostering
development, democracy, and citizen participation. By delegating responsibilities
to local governments, central authorities can improve governance efficiency and
responsiveness to local concerns.
The United Nations (UN) defines local government as:
“A political subdivision of a nation (or in a federal system, a state) which is
constituted by law and has substantial control of local affairs, including the
power to impose taxes or to exact labor for prescribed purposes. The governing body
of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected.”
This definition by the UN emphasizes several important aspects of local government:
1. Political Subdivision: Local governments are integral parts of the overall
governance structure, operating within a national or state framework.
2. Legal Constitution: They are created and governed by law, ensuring their
legitimacy and specifying their powers and responsibilities.
3. Substantial Autonomy: Local governments are empowered to make decisions on
various local matters, including administration, finance, and development.
4. Taxation Authority: They have the ability to levy taxes or mobilize resources to
meet local needs.
5. Democratic or Local Representation: The governing body of a local government is
chosen by the local population through elections or other local mechanisms,
reflecting the principle of self-governance.
The UN also emphasizes that local government plays a crucial role in:
Promoting decentralization and democratic participation.
Facilitating effective service delivery to meet local needs.
Encouraging local development by empowering communities.
This definition and approach are consistent with the UN's broader agenda of
enhancing governance and development at the grassroots level through
decentralization and community participation.
The 1976 Local Government Reform in Nigeria provides a foundational definition and
conceptual framework for local government. According to the reform, local
government is defined as:
> “Government at the local level exercised through representative councils
established by law to exercise specific powers within defined areas. These powers
should give the councils substantial control over local affairs, including the
power to initiate and implement services and to determine and implement projects so
as to complement the activities of the state and federal governments in their
areas, and to ensure through devolution of functions to these councils, the active
participation of the people and their traditional institutions, that local
initiative and response to local needs are maximized.”
This definition reflects several key principles:
1. Representative Governance
Local governments are structured as elected councils that represent the people in
their respective areas, emphasizing democratic accountability and governance.
2. Defined Legal and Geographical Scope
Local governments operate within specific geographical boundaries and are
established by law to ensure clarity of jurisdiction and responsibilities.
3. Substantial Autonomy
The reform emphasizes granting local governments significant powers to:
Manage their finances.
Plan and execute developmental projects.
Initiate and provide essential services to their communities.
4. Complementary Role
Local governments are seen as partners to state and federal governments,
complementing their roles rather than being subordinate administrative units.
5. Decentralization and Devolution
The reform introduced the idea of decentralization by devolving certain functions
and responsibilities to local governments. This aimed to bring governance closer to
the people and enable grassroots participation.
6. Active Community Participation
The reform sought to encourage local involvement in governance through the
inclusion of traditional institutions and the empowerment of local communities to
participate in decision-making processes.
Objectives of the 1976 Reform:
The primary goals of the reform were:
To standardize the structure of local government across the country.
To enhance democratic governance and local participation.
To improve service delivery and accelerate grassroots development.
To reduce the administrative burden on state and federal governments.
Impact of the Reform:
The 1976 Local Government Reform remains a landmark in Nigeria's political history,
as it:
Created a uniform system of local government nationwide.
Established a clear framework for resource allocation and development.
Promoted accountability, transparency, and community engagement at the local level.
This reform set the stage for modern local government systems in Nigeria and
highlighted the importance of decentralization for development.