See 11 Functions Of The Local Government Chairmen That Might Shock You

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. So says the Good Book.

Indeed, there is an incredible degree of ignorance in the land as it concerns the statutory functions of the various arms of Government in Nigeria.

No wonder we pay so much attention to the Federal and State Government, thus paying little or no attention to the Local Government Council. And in the process, we allow the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors to escape with an incredible degree of incompetence or dereliction of duties.

In Nigeria, most Local Governments chairmen are only interested in the aspect of their functions, which will attract revenue to them while they conveniently ignore the responsibilities stipulated under the Fourth Schedule.

They also love the display of power but do not appreciate the responsibility that go along with power.

Now, here are some roles of the Local Government Council- specifically as it pertains to the transport and allied sector –  that is often erroneously ascribed to the State Government and even the Federal Government

1. Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheel barrows and carts;

2. Establishment, maintenance and regulation of Bus stops, Motor Parks.

3. Construction and maintenance of roads, streets,  other public highways, parks, open spaces, or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a State;

4. Naming of roads ‘and streets and numbering of houses;

5. Provision and maintenance Of public toilets

6. Public waste management (refuse disposal)

7. Erecting and maintenance of Street lights

8. Regulation of Out-door advertising and hoarding

9. Construction and clearing of drainage

10. Provision and maintenance of public transportation

11. Elimination of destitute, beggars and street urchins from the street.

So what exactly do Local Government Councils use their allocations and internally generated revenues for?