LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CREATION AND THE PROSPECTS OF AREA DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the problems of new local governments created by some states in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the old local governments. The constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria empowered the state governments to create local governments but such local governments are subject to recognition by the national assembly. Due to politics and other reasons many states governments embarked on the creation of local governments without recognition by the National assembly which lead to mockery of the state by federal government. Descriptive approach was carried out using secondary data. The findings revealed politics behind the creation of such local governments, lack of continuity as well as inadequate funding. The paper suggests consolidation on the existing local governments instead of adding more burdens on them as well as developing alternatives ways of funding in order to ensure their sustainability.

Key words: Local government; Area Development, Constitution.