Local government performs a number of functions on behalf of the central government in the form of

Analyze the question: The question asks about functions local government performs on behalf of the central government. This is the idea of agency or delegated functions: tasks the central government hands down to local councils because they are closer to the people.

Concept: Local government is the third tier of government, closest to the grassroots. Its roles include:

• Providing basic services (markets, primary health centres, roads, sanitation)
• Registering births and deaths
• Collecting local revenue and taxes
• Helping to mobilize people and resources for development
• Assisting in data collection (such as census exercises) and in implementing national programmes (such as immunization and voter registration support)

Evaluating each option:

• A. Employing police officers: Wrong. In Nigeria, the police is a federal (exclusive) matter, and recruitment is done by the Police Service Commission, not local governments.
• B. Ensuring people attend religious institutions of prayers: Wrong. Nigeria is a secular state, and religion is a personal choice.
• C. Mobilizing resources for development: Correct. Local governments gather human and material resources at the grassroots, such as community labour, local revenue, and cooperation for projects. This supports both national and state development goals.
• D. Punishing opposition or dissent: Wrong. This is undemocratic and is not a legitimate government function.

Answer: C. Mobilizing of resources for development

Exam tip: In Government questions about local government, look for options linked to development, grassroots services, and administration. Eliminate any option involving federal-only powers (police, defence, currency) or anything that violates rights (forced worship, punishing dissent). Those are almost always distractors.