Evolution of Local Government and Role of Reforms in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discussed the evolution of local government and role of reforms in Nigeria. It adopted a historical approach which eased the task of a systematic and logical presentation of the various developmental trends embedded in the evolution of the grassroots government in the most populous nation in Africa. For a better understanding, this paper was narrowed down to local government in pre-colonial Nigeria, local government in colonial era in Nigerian native administration, local government reforms in the 1950s in Nigeria, local government under military regimes in Nigeria, the 1976 local government reform in Nigeria as well as local government reforms after 1998(new phase of democratic era in Nigeria). It was concluded that Nigeria as a nation has evolved over time as a result of its multi-ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural and political peculiarities. All these helped in shaping the Nigerian federalism especially now that it has enjoyed uninterrupted democratization process for over 20 years.