By Anu Smith
Do you know the functions of Local Government as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution? Why do you think getting local government autonomy has been difficult and seems unrealistic in Nigeria?
What has been happening to the taxes collected by the local government in your area? And how can citizens engage local and state authorities to demand development especially now that another election is around the corner?
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria schedule Two, part Four listed all the duties of the local government but some of the states in Nigeria are doing what local governments should be doing or claim that they are collecting taxes jointly using a consultant; and they share commission across the board.
REPORTERS AT LARGE hereby publishes functions of a Local Government Council as enshrined in the 1999 constitution under the fourth schedule.
Functions of a Local Government Council
1. The main functions of a local government council are as follows:
(a) the consideration and the making of recommendations to the State commission on economic planning or any similar body on –
(i) the economic development of the State, particularly in so far as the areas of authority of the council and the State are affected, and
(ii) proposals made by the said commission or body;
(b) collection of rates, radio and television licences;
(c) establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes for the destitute or infirm;
(d) licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheels barrows and carts;
(e) establishment, maintenance and regulation of slaughter-houses, slaughter slabs, markets, motor parks and public conveniences;
(f) construction and maintenance of roads, streets, street lightings, drains and other public highways, parks, gardens, open spaces, or such
public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a State;
(g) the naming of roads and streets and the numbering of houses;
(h) provision and maintenance of public conveniences, sewage and refuse disposal;
(i) registration of all births, deaths and marriages;
(j) assessment of privately owned houses or tenements to levy such rates as may be prescribed by the House of
Assembly of a State; and
(k) control and regulation of –
(i) out-door advertising and hoarding,
(ii) movement and keeping of pets of all descriptions,
(iii) shops and kiosks,
(iv) restaurants, bakeries and other places for the sale of food to the public,
(v) laundries, and
(vi) licensing, regulation and control of the sale of liquor.
2. The functions of a local government council shall include the participation of such council in the Government of a State concerning the following matters –
(a) the provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education;
(b) the development of agriculture and natural resources, other than the exploitation of materials
(c) the provision and maintenance of health services; and
(d) such other functions as may be conferred on a local government council by the House of Assembly of the State.
