Benue State University, Makurdi

Local Government as Third Tier of Government: Role, Function and Challenges: A Revisitation

Akase P. Sorkaa

Abstract

The idea of local government is derived from the concept of decentralization. According to the United Nations, (1962) decentralization, refers to the transfer of authority on a geographic basis whether by deconcentration (i.e. delegation) of authority to field units of the same Department or level of government, or by devolution of authority to local government units or special statutory bodies. Government could therefore decentralize a really or functionally. But from the definition of the United Nations, one can discern that there are two principal forms of decentralization of powers and functions of government which are by deconcentration and devolution. Deconcentration involves the delegation of responsibility and authority by the central government to staff of ministries who are situated outside the headquarters. What is emphasised here is the transfer of ultimate authority in decision making from the parent ministry concerned. Agricultural extension workers of the Ministry of Agriculture are typical manifestation of the concept of deconcentration.

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