Which of the following is the basic unit of a local government in Nigeria?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the basic unit of local government in Nigeria, meaning the smallest administrative division on which local government is built.

Step 2: Explain the concept Local government in Nigeria is the third tier of government, after the Federal and State governments. It is recognized by the 1999 Constitution (Section 7) and operates through Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA is divided into smaller units called wards. A ward is the smallest political and administrative unit. Each ward elects a councillor to the local government council, and the ward is also the basic constituency for local elections. Nigeria has 774 LGAs, which are subdivided into 8,809 wards.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. State assembly: This is the legislative arm of a state government, not a local government unit.
• B. Ward: This is the smallest electoral and administrative division within a local government area. It is the basic unit.
• C. Local Council Development Area (LCDA): LCDAs are created by some states (e.g., Lagos) for administrative convenience. They are not a nationwide, constitutionally recognized unit, and they are not the basic unit.
• D. Ministry of Local Government: This is a state-level ministry that supervises local governments. It is not a unit of local government.

Step 4: Answer The basic unit of local government in Nigeria is the Ward, which is option B.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember the hierarchy: Ward → Local Government Area → State → Federation. When a question says "basic unit" or "smallest unit," think of the lowest level, which in local government is the ward. Also note that LCDAs are state-created and not part of the constitutional structure.