Local Governments In Nigeria (Meaning)
Subject : Social Studies
Topic : Local Government In Nigeria
Class : Primary 4
Term : Second Term
Week : Week 3
Previous Knowledge : Pupils have previous knowledge of
that have been taught in their former lessons and classes
Behavioural Objectives : At the end of the lesson , pupils should be able to
- say the meaning of local government in Nigeria
- say the duties of local government in Nigeria
Methods Of Teaching
- Discussion
- Explanation
- Dramatization
- Dialogue
- Story telling
- Questions and Answers
- Role Modelling
Instructional Materials
- Wall Charts
- Pictures
- Online materials
- Textbooks
- Scheme of work
- Workbooks
Content
What is the meaning of local government ?
Local government is the government at the grassroot that is the closest to the people in Nigeria . The head of a local government council in Nigeria is The Chairman . There are also council Treasurer and council legislators who are known are the Councillors . Each of the LGAs is further subdivided Wards. Each Ward is being administered by a Councillor who directly reports to the LGA Chairman .There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria .
Local government is the third level of government in Nigeria. It is the government that controls the public affair at the local community (grassroots) level. It is the government that is close to the people because people in the locality air their views to through the councillor,. Deputy Chairman and the chairman.
A local government is a form of public administration which, in a majority of contexts, exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state. The term is used to contrast with offices at state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or (where appropriate) federal government and also to supranational government which deals with governing institutions between states. Local governments generally act within powers delegated to them by legislation or directives of the higher level of government. In federal states, local government generally comprises the third (or sometimes fourth) tier of government, whereas in unitary states, local government usually occupies the second or third tier of government, often with greater powers than higher-level administrative divisions.
FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
(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.
(e) They grade and tar roads in their areas
(F) They provide good primary education for children.
(g) They encourage farmers to produce more food for the people.
(h) Organizing adult education program
(I) provision of marriage registry
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO THE PEOPLE.
- To develop every part of the local government area
- It brings the government closer to the people
- To engage people in the local community to be involved in the running of the government.
- To protect the culture of the people
- To care for the need of the people in the local government area like provision of health center, good education.
- Collects taxes and rates for the development of amenities.
- Maintain law and ordering the local government.
Presentation
The topic is presented step by step
Step 1 : He revises the previous topics
Step 2 : The class teacher introduces the new topic
- Local government refers to the administrative units of government that are responsible for managing and delivering public services at the local level. It is the closest level of government to the people and is responsible for promoting the social, economic, and political development of local communities.
- Two duties of local government include:
- Provision of basic services: Local government is responsible for providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and primary healthcare to the local communities.
- Developmental activities: Local government is also responsible for promoting the economic development of local communities through the implementation of projects and programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities, promoting agriculture, and improving infrastructure.
- The three levels of government in Nigeria are:
- Federal government: This is the highest level of government in Nigeria and is responsible for managing the affairs of the country as a whole.
- State government: This level of government is responsible for managing the affairs of the states in Nigeria.
- Local government: This level of government is responsible for managing the affairs of the local communities in Nigeria.
- The three arms of government in Nigeria are:
- Executive arm: This arm of government is responsible for implementing policies and programmes that are aimed at promoting the development of the country.
- Legislative arm: This arm of government is responsible for making laws that are aimed at promoting the welfare of the people.
- Judicial arm: This arm of government is responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that justice is done in the country.
- Two importance of local government in Nigeria are:
- Grassroots development: Local government is important in Nigeria because it is the level of government that is closest to the people. As such, it is in the best position to understand the needs and aspirations of local communities and to implement programmes and projects that are aimed at meeting those needs.
- Strengthening democracy: Local government is also important in Nigeria because it helps to strengthen democracy by promoting the participation of the people in governance. Through local government elections, people are able to elect representatives who will serve their interests and promote their welfare.
Step 3 : The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and he or she corrects them when the needs arise
Evaluation
1 Say the meaning of local government .
2 Write out two duties of local government
3. Write out three levels of government in Nigeria
4. List three arms of Government in Nigeria
5. Mention two importance of local government in Nigeria
Conclusion
The class teacher gives out a short note and he or she goes round to do the necessary marking .
Assignment
- What is the primary responsibility of local government in Nigeria? a. Implementing federal policies b. Developing the local economy c. Managing foreign relations d. Providing national security
- What level of government is closest to the people in Nigeria? a. Federal government b. State government c. Local government d. Regional government
- Which arm of government is responsible for interpreting laws in Nigeria? a. Executive arm b. Legislative arm c. Judicial arm d. Regulatory arm
- Which of the following is NOT a duty of local government in Nigeria? a. Provision of basic services b. Developmental activities c. Conducting foreign policy d. Promotion of local culture
- How are local government officials in Nigeria usually selected? a. By appointment b. By direct elections c. By inheritance d. By educational qualification
- What is the term of office for local government officials in Nigeria? a. 2 years b. 3 years c. 4 years d. 5 years
- How many local government areas are there in Nigeria? a. 684 b. 774 c. 846 d. 924
- Which level of government is responsible for managing the affairs of the country as a whole in Nigeria? a. Federal government b. State government c. Local government d. Community government
- Which of the following is a basic service that local government is responsible for providing in Nigeria? a. Secondary healthcare b. Tertiary education c. Waste management d. National defense
- How does local government help to strengthen democracy in Nigeria? a. By promoting political parties b. By providing social services c. By promoting grassroots development d. By regulating the media
Next Lesson
Problems of local government and suggestion and Solution
