IMPACT OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ADMINISTRATION OF NIGERIA (A STUDY OF ISU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE) (THE PROSPECTS AND THE CHALLENGES)

ABSTRACT In a federal system of government such as Nigeria, there is existence of various levels of governments which include: Federal- State and local governments. These levels of government interact together for effective administration of the country. This interaction therefore is known as intergovernmental relations. In Nigeria, inter-governmental relations refer to the interactions that exist among the Federal (Central or National), states or regions and local governments. The components of this interactions includes; state and state interactions, state and local interactions, local- local interactions, federal-states interactions, federal-local interactions. All these put together refer to the pattern of intergovernmental relations. This study is designed to determine the impact of these interactions in socio-political and economic development of Nigeria across the three structures of governments. The researcher adopted survey method and data was collected through both the primary and secondary sources. In primary data collection, questionnaire and interview methods were used while secondary data collection uses the literature review where textbooks, journals and internets were used to gather information for the studies. Findings declared that there are good result on effective intergovernmental relations among structural components and organs of governments in Nigeria federation. Recommendations are that federal government continue to maintain clear cut intergovernmental relations between local governments, states and federal government towards ensuring all inclusive government which fast track socio-economic and political stability in Nigeria. Inter-jurisdictional conflict among the various levels of government should be addressed for efficient performance.