CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

This study examine the background study intergovernmental relation, statement of the problem, objective of the study, significant and scope of the study and finally the definition of key terms.

The concept of intergovernmental relations is associated with states having a Federal Administration System where the relationships between the Federal Central on National Governmental and major sub-national unit (Province, regions or state) formally spent out in constitution. Intergovernmental relations have been seen as a system of transactions among structured levels of government in a state. It is also seen as registration in which the parties are negotiating advantageous positions for power, money and problems. Solving responsibility (Colugbemi: 1980).          

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY  

The goal of intergovernmental relations are said to promote peace and harmony among the three teas of government which can the Federal State and Local Government. To accelerate the achievement of self reliant economy. In so doing intergovernmental relations will help to minimize inter-jurisdictional conflicts among the various level of government. Also to boost greater natural economic integration through the activities of three levels of government. Again to enhance the emergence of co-operative rather than competitive federation there is also need to enhance effective and efficient utilization of available human and material resources among the three levels of government. To help solve the problem of rural and urban poverty. To achieve a situation where there is special need for integrating programmes on a nationwide scale. To look into the situation where states, Local Government unit of the Federal set up have responsibilities with on resources base to perform them (John Nwafor: Unpublished work).   

The achievement of the objectives of intergovernmental relations is dependent on some social factors within the Nigerian social system. Some social factors include the political setting and the state of two economies in the nation. Looking at the political setting, the intergovernmental relations is basically based on the three tiers of government that is the Federal, State and Local Government. But come to look at that, the Federal and State Government is said to have more autonomy than the Local Government due to the fact that they are the last tier of government (John Nwafor: Unpublished Work). The other tier of government still tell them that what to do, how to make their own policies, how to elect/appoint those to rule them like the chancellor or chairman and so on. Local Government is still dependent on the other tier of government making them too subordinate and loyal for my liking (Nwoked, Palph 2002).

To this, there should be greater independent of the state and the Local Government in the Federal Government for their survival and performance of fundamental responsibilities. There should be several reforms which should let to the recognition of the Local Government as the third tier of government with relative autonomy and jurisdictional powers as provided for the constitution.

Another problem is the state of the nation’s economy. The nation’s economy really influenced the nature and scope of intergovernmental relations in the Local Government in Nigeria. The wealth of any nation is a key factor in determining its pattern of material relation. Between 1960 and 1970, the basis o fiscal relation between the Federal, State, and Local Government were richer and more power full than the Local Government. But this problem will come to an end if the Local Government has greater control of the tax revenue. The Local Government should control 50% of the tax revenue allocation of its area without the Federal or State Government Interference. They should also receive grant and aids from outside and within the country, making them powerful and independent of their own. Their Federation Allocation Accountant should be granted to them annually or monthly as the case may be. They should be allowed to run their affairs especially when it comes to monetary matters (F Okoll and Anah O. 2002).

In so doing channel, of communication should be at its high level between the Federal, State and Local Government in order to produce an effectiveness due to the fact that an intergovernmental relation is relationship between the three theirs of government.