Discuss the importance of the local government system in Nigeria

MEANING: A local government
may be defined as government at the local level established by law to perform specific
functions at the grass root
or local level.

IMPORTANCE 

• IT BRINGS THE GOVT. NEARER TO THE
  PEOPLED: Local
  governments bring government nearer to the people that   is to say that, without local governments
  the people at the
  grass root would not feel the impact of the central or federal government.
•  PROVISION OF
  ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Local governments
  provide essential services for the people, for example, they provide public libraries e.t.c.
• ENCOURAGEMENT OF LOCAL POLITICS: Politics at the
  grass roots is made possible. People at the grass roots can contest election as councilors,
  chairman and other
  elective offices in the council.
•  RELIEF FOR CENTRAL: By giving to local
  government functions that are best performed by them, the federal or central government
  js relieved
  of the burden of having to perform-too many functions.
•  LINK BETWEEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE: Officials of local
  government explains the policies of the central government to the people at the grass root
  level.
•  EFFECTIVE MOBILIZATION OF THE
  PEOPLE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: It is easier for
  the local government councils to mobilize the people at the grass roots for
  national development.
•  LOCAL ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE: Local governments
  provide customary courts which try those who violate bye – laws or commit other offences.
•  DIVERSE INTERESTS: The interest of the
  local people differ, and to cater for the various interest, the local government piay a significant role here.
•  EMPLOYMENTS: Local government
  provides employment opportunities for the people in their area of control or jurisdiction.
•  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: They enable the
  people to participate in community development projects, hence they encourage the
  formation of community development
  association i.e. C.D.A.