The Illusion of Three‐tier Federalism : Rethinking the Nigerian Local Government System

Attempts a critical evaluation of the theoretical foundation of the local government system in Nigeria. Re‐assesses Nigeria′s idea of three‐tier federalism both as a theory of federal organization and as a policy reform. Reviews the different definitions of “tiered federalism” and attempts to synthesize them into a coherent idea. Shows that three‐tier federalism is impossible to define in a consistent manner. Proceeds from this to argue that its so‐called successes are in centralizing the Nigerian state rather than in furthering the idea of local governance.