Just like people, communities have basic needs which must be met if they are to function properly.
Imagine what it would be like if there was no-one to make laws and ensure they were obeyed, to look after old and sick people, to plan where buildings should go or to keep the environment clean and safe. Imagine living in a town or suburb where the local park was not mowed, the roads were not maintained and there were no libraries.

We depend on governments to take care of these things.

Today, there are three tiers of government in Nigeria - Federal Government, State Government and Local Government.The term "Local Government" refers to the system in which 774 local Councils operate in the country The Local Government system is integral to the democratic system of government in Nigeria which provides vital economic, social and environmental support for communities.

Democratically elected members make up Local Government Councils and with staff support and in partnership with their local communities they manage the community infrastructure.

As with other democratically elected governments, ie the State and Federal Governments, Councils have powers to raise revenue usually through rates, to provide and maintain infrastructure and services, to regulate activities (such as building development) and to impose penalties for default on local regulations.

Greater demand for local services (eg recycling or immunisation of school children against polio).

How Do Councils Operate?
Councils largely operate autonomously within the framework of the legislation and are primarily accountability to their local communities. They are generally not subject to Executive direction by either State or Federal Governments. Sometimes, such as in the area of planning and development, Councils work jointly with the State Government, and their decisions may be subject to advice and direction from State Government.