INTERGOVERNMENTAL FINANCIAL RELATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGERIA- A CASE STUDY OF IGBO-ETITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, 1999-2012
ABSTRACT
This study investigated Intergovernmental financial relations and local government autonomy in Nigeria : A case study of Igbo-Etiti local government Area of Enugu State. To accomplish this task, we were able to determine if the structure of Intergovernmental financial relations in Nigeria enhanced autonomy of Igbo-Etiti local government; ascertained whether the structure of Intergovernmental financial relations undermined infrastructural development in the local government and examined whether the structure of Intergovernmental financial relations in Nigeria increased literacy rate in Igbo-Etiti local government Area. All data gathered were presented in tables and analysed in percentages. The appropriate theory that was used for the work is institutional theory and we were able to arrive at the following findings; that financial autonomy of local government cannot be guaranteed under the present structure of Intergovernmental financial relations; that infrastructurtal development in the local government areas was being undermined by lack of financial autonomy and that there shall be increase in literacy rate in the rural areas when local governments are allowed to have direct allocations from the federal government. Arising from these findings therefore, we recommended among other things that adequate constitutional revenue rights should be given to local councils to enable it remain relevant in the development process in the country.