THE TIER STATUS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS: AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999

Abstract

Scholars and stake holders of grassroots government have criticized the hoary duo-legged federal structures of states. They seek autonomy and constitutional provisions for local government. Employing the analytical research method (using case law, constitutional/statutory provisions, textbooks, journals and internet materials), this paper seeks to establish the need to change from duo-dimensional federalism to trio-dimensional federalism to attain the maximum gains of federalism. It finds that the Durham Report for constitutional recognition for local government in Canada in 1839 resulted from agitations1; duo-dimensional crusaders have not spared the United States’ federalism2; Nigeria recognised local government as a tier of government in 1976; constitutionally provided for them in 1979 and has maintained them until the 1999 Constitution came into force. This paper, inter alia, recommends full tier constitutional status and provisions for local governments in federal states. Key words: Federal, Constitution, Nigeria, Local Government, Autonomy and Tier.