Abstract EN:

Officers have accumulated more influence in the decision making process of local governments in nigeria. Political instability at the national level is a major contributor to this development. It has been very difficult, as a result of frequent changes, for local governments to have a stable structure. Each structural reorganisation carried out from above has led to the reorganisation of the role of each decision maker. Befor 1950, decision making process was dominated by traditional rulers who were then the pivot of the native administration system installed by the colonial government. With the democratic reforms of the 50s and 60s, the role of traditional ruler was reduced immensely to give elected members more role. The military intervention of 1966 put an end to the role of elected members as primary decision makers since elections were not held after the dissolution of the various councils operating before the coup d'etat. It isfrom this moment on that local goverment officers have accrued more influence in the decision making process of local governments in the country.