A major problem affecting Local government in Nigeria today is

1. Analyze the question The question asks for a major problem facing local government in Nigeria today. It is a Government (Civic) question on local government administration.

2. Explain the concept Local governments are the third tier of government. The 1999 Constitution (Section 7) guarantees their existence and democratic system. In practice, they face these challenges:

• State interference: State governments control the State-Local Government Joint Account, which lets them hold back or reduce allocations. They also dissolve elected councils and appoint caretaker committees, and they control local government elections through State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
• Inadequate funds and corruption.
• Shortage of skilled manpower.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Resource control: This is a debate between the states (especially the Niger Delta) and the federal government over who controls mineral resources. It is not mainly a local government problem.
• B. Personnel management: This is a minor administrative issue, not the central problem.
• C. Revenue allocation: This concerns the sharing formula among the federal, state and local governments. It is a national issue, not specific to local governments.
• D. State management interference: Of the four options, this is the one that most directly describes a problem local governments face. States interfere through the Joint Account, caretaker committees and control over elections. This weakens local government autonomy.

4. Answer

5. Exam tip When a question asks about problems of local government, think "autonomy". Interference by state governments, the Joint Account and the lack of financial independence are the most frequently tested points in JAMB and WASSCE. You can remember it as "State holds the purse, Local gets the curse."