The role of local government in technological and industrial development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper highlights the theory and functions of local government (LG), technology and industrial policies in Nigeria. It explains both the implicit and explicit roles of LG in technological and industrial development. Other functions that should be performed in this direction are also discussed, especially in the areas of educational, agricultural, environmental, health care, small and micro-enterprise and indigenous technological capability development. The performance of these roles requires additional capital outlay. The LGs depend on meagre annual subvention from the Federal government and local taxes as their sources of revenue, which are not sufficient to allow them to execute their various functions effectively. It is therefore recommended that their annual revenue allocation be increased, and that they should embark on development of visible indigenous technology. Science and Technology (S&T) organs should be established so as to foster more S&T activities at the grass roots.