INTER- GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE (2006-2010)

ABSTRACT
 This study traces the relationship between inter-governmental relations and the national development in Ojo local government area of Lagos State within the period of 2006-2010. This research study is particularly interested in the position of the inter-governmental relations on the national development at the local government level in Nigeria and specifically on Ojo local government area of Lagos State. This study focuses on the impact of inter-governmental relations within the period of 2006-2010. The survey research design was applied in carrying out the study. Two basic sources of data collection were used- primary and secondary sources. The structured questionnaire was applied in gathering necessary information for the study. We applied the systems theory to serve as an explanatory construct to the study. The system of government refers to the interrelated over- lapping principles governing the Nigeria polity and local governments (Ojo) serving as a link between the citizen and their environments. Structurally, Nigeria is a federal polity, operating an executive presidency. Powers are distributed democratically among the three tiers of government (Federal, State and Local) and institutions, (executive, judiciary and legislature), and sovereignty lies on the institutions and the people respectively. The study sees intergovernmental relations as a necessary process and component of a federal state which must be sustained to enhance national development at all levels/tiers of government. The research regrets to note that the gains made in inter-governmental relations between the period of 2006-2010 have been depreciated. This has been attributed to the over interference of the federal and state government on the local government activities in the country. Because of the deliberate actions of state government’s development at local governments appear to be weak and sick. Local governments are now treated as appendages or state extension rather than tier of government that can effectively play their part in intergovernmental relations process. Inter-governmental relations go beyond fiscal relationship to include developmental, administrative, strategic, socio-economic and legislative relationship owing  to the weakness of Ojo local government, it is our  contention that the local government’s  position should be strengthened allowing it to decide on its activities without  interference of the state government.