Fiscal Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations in Nigeria

This book examined the impact fiscal federalism has on intergovernmental relations in Nigeria. The author averred that the Nigerian intergovernmental relations system is central to the effective working of governance because it involves cooperation among federal, state, and local governments. Intergovernmental conflicts have a tendency of undermining this system, thereby its effectiveness in ensuring public services and fostering national integration minimal. Thus, both systems have some constitutionally assigned responsibilities with empowerment or resources to enable them discharge the said responsibilities optimally. The author posited that inter-governmental relations have to an extent helped to reduce tension among the three tiers of government in Nigeria. Inter-governmental relations have led to the duplication of governmental functions and waste of public funds in Nigeria. Imperfection in the 1999 constitution has hampered proper fiscal relations in the three tiers of government in Nigeria. The book recommended that effort should be made to ensure that all tiers of government adhere to fiscal transparency, accountability and constitutional provisions on fiscal relations.