Federalism, Intergovernmental Relations and Sustainable Diversification of Economy Policy in Nigeria : the Question of Local Autonomy

The linkage between local autonomy and national development has always been a recurring theme in political discourses in Nigeria. There is a growing consensus that attainment of social justice in Nigeria cannot but be anchored on the efficacy of a bottom-up input-driven and participatory approach to development planning and execution. By implication, a policy of diversification of the economy from an oil-dependent one will produce less than expected results if local governments are relegated in the overall scheme of the policy circle, especially in the implementation and evaluation processes. This study examined the vitality that autonomous local governments in Nigeria portend for a paradigm shift from a crude oil mono-economy to a more industrialized agriculture –business. The study utilized desk research and interviews with key informants to gather data. The study finds that the missing link to sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria lies with assurances and strengthening of local autonomy