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.