State/Local Government Joint Account and the Challenges of Service Delivery in Kaduna State (1999 -2007) (original) (raw)
Related papers
International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Review, 2013
The 1999 Nigerian Constitution recognizes the local governments as the third tier of government with assigned responsibilities. In order to be able to discharge these responsibilities, the same 1999 Constitution also grants allocations from the federation account to the local governments on monthly basis, but these allocations are paid into an account created by law called the State Joint Local Government account. The paper is aimed at finding out how the management of this Joint account affected the service delivery functions of the selected local governments in Kaduna state during the first and second terms of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration from 1999 to 2007. Data for the study were generated from both primary and secondary sources and their contents analyzed qualitatively. The finding of the study is that the Joint account posed a very serious challenged to the selected local governments during the first eight years of the fourth republic as the state government mismanaged the federal allocations to the these local governments. In view of the finding, it is recommended that the 1999 constitutional review currently going on in the National Assembly should abolish or review the provisions of the State Joint Local Government Account system to enable local government access their federal allocations directly. Preamble Local government is the third tier of government according to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and its roles are critical in terms of identifying local or rural needs and mobilizing resources to meeting those needs. In fact, the crucial role which local governments could play in bringing development to the grassroots was what informed the 1976 Local Government Reforms according to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who was then the military Head of State. The objectives of the reforms according to him were: (a) To increase the responsibilities of the local authorities by a process of decentralization that ensures appropriate divisions of functions between State and Local Governments and those local authorities thereby play a significant role in the development process. (b) To ensure that participation and involvement begin at the grassroots level. Since local authorities are very close to the people, they are most favourably placed to understand and appreciate the people's demands. Local authorities should hence, serve both input and output functions within the system. They should articulate the demands of the masses and when these are satisfied within the limits of available resources, they should provide authorities with feedback. (c) To ensure that both in the short-run and long-run, both the staffing and financial requirement of local authorities are satisfied to enable them perform their statutorily assigned functions (1976 Local Government Reform Guidelines).
The State-Local Government Joint Account in Nigeria: Assessment of Facts and Realities
2021
In every emerging society, the position of the third tier system of government cannot be over emphasized. Local government as a unit and level of government at the grass roots has come to play significant transformative roles followings its closeness to the people and their needs. In the long run, actualization of the development will likely be fraught if local government cannot effectively and efficiently discharge its bequeathed functions through the law establishing it without adequate funds at its disposal. However, it is the interest of the paper to appreciate adequately the essence of local government in addressing developmental challenges, its relationship with the state and disposition to her financial obligations. The study utilized qualitative method in generating its data; while using power theory as a framework of analysis. The findings of the study has significantly revealed that the weaknesses and challenges of local government in discharging its functions in the conte...
2017
The study examines the effect of State joint local government account practices on the performance of local government councils in Ebonyi State. This study adopted descriptive survey design using primary data collected using structured five point likert scale type of questionnaire. The data generated was presented and analyzed using tables and F-test, while the hypotheses formulated were tested using the binary logistic regression technique. Findings of the study had it that the timely release of monies from the State joint local government account to local government councils significantly affects the performance of local government councils in Ebonyi State. Equally, that non- interference of the State government on the monies at the credit of the Statejoint local government account significantly affect the performance of local government councils in Ebonyi State. The findings further had it that fair distribution of monies at the credit of the Statejoint local government account s...
THE IMPACT OF STATE JOINT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT ON STATE LOCAL RELATIONS IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT The study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of the State Joint Local Government Account in Southwestern Nigeria. It also assessed the impact of the State Joint Local Government Account on State Local relations in Southwestern Nigeria. It further examined the challenges of the State Joint Local Government Account on State Local relations in Southwestern Nigeria. These were with a view to contributing to the understanding of the impact of State Joint Local Government Account on the State Local relations. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were sourced through interviews and administration of questionnaires. Using stratified random technique, one hundred and seventy (170) copies of questionnaires were administered on the senior and management staff of relevant ministries in the three selected States of public service and ministries, Lagos, Oyo and Osun State and three selected Local Governments each from the selected States. Out of the One hundred and ninety questionnaire distributed, 90 % (170) of the questionnaires were returned properly filled and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software to generate frequency and percentages. In addition, inferential statistics such as Pearson Correlation, Chi-square Test and Kruskal Wallis (Annova) were used to infer significance and relationship among the variables. Secondary data were collected from textbooks, journals and publication from the library and internet. The results revealed that State Local Government Joint Account has helped to reduced wasteful spending and corruption in the Local Government in South Western Nigeria (72.4%). The result also shows that State Joint Local Government Account has resulted in effective monitoring of Local Government expenditure in South Western Nigeria (70.6%). The result also shows that State Joint Local Government Account has led to reduction in mismanagement and corruption at the Local Government in the South Western Nigeria (67%). The result also shows that State Local Government Joint Account has impeded on the autonomy and expenditure responsibilities of the Local Government in South Western Nigeria (82.3%). The result also shows that the State Joint Local Government Account has resulted in continual interference in the activities of Local Government by the State Government in South Western Nigeria (82.4%). The result also shows that the State Joint Local Government Account causes interference in the function of the local government by the state government in the Southwestern Nigeria (80.5%). Furthermore, the result shows that State Joint Local Government Account brings about to lack of transparency and accountability by state government on actual revenue to be released to the local government in Southwestern Nigeria (63%). The study concluded that State-Joint Local Government Account has not enhanced the State-Local relations in Southwestern Nigeria.
THE OPERATION OF STATE JOINT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT (SJLGA) IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION
This work critically examined the operation of State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) in Nigeria. It aimed to ascertain the effects of the operation of SJLGA on local government and identify the factors/ tendencies that necessitated the abuse of SJLGA by state government in Nigeria. Based on the above objectives, this worked adopted secondary sources of data collection and the data were analyzed qualitatively. It was discovered that the operation of State Joint Local Government Account has brought negative effects on local government which include: Loss of autonomy of Local government; excessive deduction of local government allocation; poor performance; underdevelopment; poor planning and unrealistic budgeting etc. And, also it was revealed that the abused of the SJLGA by the state government was necessitated by provisions in the constitution; state government desire for centralization of power; political patronage and encroachment of local government functions by the state government etc. Based on these findings, we recommended for abolition of State Joint Local Government Account through amendment of 1999 constitution; punishment against any abuse of local government account etc.
Governance in Nigeria: Assessing the effectsof the state joint local government account
2013
Nigeria is one of the few countries in Africa that adopted a federal system of government, a system that envisages autonomy for every sector of its authorities and effective governance depends on an appropriate division of responsibilities and resources between federal, state and local authorities supported by a sufficient institutional capacity at each of these levels to carry out its assigned functions.Unfortunately, to suit their political agenda and interests, state governments have maintained a great level of domination and control over Local Governments allocations through State Joint Local Government Account.Though it is constitutional but in practice the application of State Joint Local Government Account is far from the constitutional provisions and at the same time undermines the principles of good governance like efficiency, accountability, transparency, participation and accessibility.To ensure good governance at the grassroots level full financial autonomy must be accor...
11.[1-12]Challenges of Managing Local Government Finance in Nigeria
Since the 1976 Local Government Reforms that were undertaken to strengthen the local system in Nigeria, several challenges have cropped up, over the years, to impede the performance of local government councils in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. One of such challenges is the dwindling revenue base of local government councils. This paper focuses on how local government councils manage their finances against the background of lack of financial autonomy, corruption, and, undue interference in local affairs, especially in the areas of operation of joint statelocal government accounts which gives the state government undue advantage over local governments. The objective of the study to improve understanding of the revenue status of local governments so that the public may appraise the financial challenges faced by the third-tier of government in Nigeria that have adversely affected the delivery of quality services to the rural populace. The methodology used in the study was descriptive qualitative analysis. The findings show that local governments in Nigeria have not been doing well due to lack of financial autonomy, undue meddlesomeness of state governments in local affairs, corruption among local government officials, etc. it is recommended that full financial autonomy should be granted local councils on matters statutorily assigned to them, the joint state-local government councils account system should be abrogated, and honest and transparent officials should be put at the helm of affairs in the local government councils to firm up the local government system in Nigeria.
This study holistically examined the administrative characteristics of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria, especially as it pertains to local government autonomy. Using the Rivers State experience, 2000-2019 as the area of focus, this study empirically assessed the fiscal challenges faced by local government-being the third tier of government that is saddled with the constitutional mandate of administering the socioeconomic needs of the people at the grassroots. These challenges range from the indiscriminate marginalisation of the local governments in the federal revenue sharing entitlements, the undue infringement on the statutory right of the local government councils to independently generate taxes within their lawful jurisdictions, to the deliberate denial of local government council of their statutory powers to carry out developmental projects at the local level. The study used both secondary and primary sources to generate relevant data and adopted the simple percentage (100%) mathematical method as a tool for analysis. The study was anchored on Max Weber's theory of political domination. On the strength of the findings obtained from the relevant literature reviewed in the course of this study, as well as the empirical information reliably obtained from fieldwork, this study convincingly establish that lack of total autonomy for local governments in Rivers State impinge on the ability of local government councils to provide efficient developmental services at the grassroots. Again, the state government infringes on the right of local government councils to independently generate taxes within their jurisdiction etc. Hence, it is the position of this study that the experiences as depicted in the case of Rivers State reflect the sameness of situations in the overall Nigerian system. Therefore, this study recommends that State-local government joint account system should be abolished. Also, local governments should be given both legislative and executive autonomy. Furthermore, the autonomy of the Local Government Service Commission should be greatly enhanced, so as to justify its primary responsibility of independently overseeing the affairs of local government councils in Nigeria. It is the firm conviction of this study that if the recommendations as proffered by this study are systematically and dispassionately implemented, they will go a long way to promote and enhance the fundamental role of the local government as the third tier of government with the primary responsibility of independently providing the needed developmental needs of the local people at the grassroots.
Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations , 2024
ocal government as the third tier of government plays a crucial role in fostering a favorable and supportive atmosphere for residents at the community level through the proficient and productive provision of services. Its importance within a state is immeasurable as it represents an essential branch of governance. Consequently, the correlation between the caliber of services citizens receive is immensely significant. This research paper delves into the dynamics of local government and its capacity for efficient service delivery, particularly focusing on local administrations in Nigeria. It emphasizes that local government stands as the primary governmental entity closest to grassroots communities, hence it is entrusted with substantial responsibilities in delivering essential social services to enhance the quality of life. However, in Nigeria, the impact of local government remains notably constrained, particularly concerning the enhancement of service delivery. Adopting the methodology of secondary data analysis and the service delivery theoretical framework, this research paper highlights several variables responsible for the problems of service delivery in the Nigerian Local Government system since the Fourth Republic. The findings of this research paper are that, political interference, corruption and mismanagement, bureaucratic bottlenecks, insecurity, political instability, insufficient funding etc are some of the problem of service delivery in the Nigerian local government system since the fourth republic. The study recommends capacity building and training, transparent budgeting and financial management, decentralization of decision-making, performance monitoring and evaluation, policy reforms and legal frameworks and the most of others in addressing the problems of service delivery in the Nigeria local government system.
Challenges of Managing Local Government Finance in Nigeria
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2012
Since the 1976 Local Government Reforms that were undertaken to strengthen the local system in Nigeria, several challenges have cropped up, over the years, to impede the performance of local government councils in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. One of such challenges is the dwindling revenue base of local government councils. This paper focuses on how local government councils manage their finances against the background of lack of financial autonomy, corruption, and, undue interference in local affairs, especially in the areas of operation of joint statelocal government accounts which gives the state government undue advantage over local governments. The objective of the study to improve understanding of the revenue status of local governments so that the public may appraise the financial challenges faced by the third-tier of government in Nigeria that have adversely affected the delivery of quality services to the rural populace. The methodology used in the study was descriptive qualitative analysis. The findings show that local governments in Nigeria have not been doing well due to lack of financial autonomy, undue meddlesomeness of state governments in local affairs, corruption among local government officials, etc. it is recommended that full financial autonomy should be granted local councils on matters statutorily assigned to them, the joint state-local government councils account system should be abrogated, and honest and transparent officials should be put at the helm of affairs in the local government councils to firm up the local government system in Nigeria.