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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Public Administration · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for PAD 310 Intergovernmental relations, prepared for Public Administration students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS COURSE CODE: PAD 310 COURSE TITLE: Intergovernmental Relations COURSE CREDIT LOAD: (2 Units C: LH 30) 1. Foundations of Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 2. Historical Development of Nigeria’s Federal System 3. Institutions and Actors in Intergovernmental Relations 4. Fiscal Federalism: Financing, Responsibilities, and Disparities 5. Challenges and Future Directions of Intergovernmental Relations in Nigeria Foundations of Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations Series outline • Part 1: Theories and Approaches to Federalism • Definitions and principles of federalism • Major theoretical perspectives on federalism • Approaches to intergovernmental relations • Part 2: Conceptual Foundations of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) • Meaning and scope of intergovernmental relations • Objectives and importance of IGR • Models of IGR • Part 3: Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations in Practice • Administrative and financial relationships among levels of government • Vertical imbalance and horizontal disparities • Institutions for managing IGR • Part 4: Contemporary Issues in Federalism and IGR • Challenges in intergovernmental relations • Emerging trends and reforms in federal systems • The future of IGR in Nigeria Introduction Federalism is a system of government that distributes powers between different levels, such as the federal, state, and local governments. It provides a framework for cooperation and coordination, while also allowing each level of government to exercise authority within its own sphere. Intergovernmental relations, often referred to as IGR, are the mechanisms through which these levels interact, share responsibilities, and resolve conflicts. Understanding the foundations of federalism and IGR is essential because it sets the stage for exploring how Nigeria’s federal system operates and how governance is managed across multiple tiers.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the theoretical and conceptual foundations of federalism and intergovernmental relations, and to equip you with the knowledge needed to analyse their practical applications within Nigeria’s political and administrative system. We shall commence this Series by examining the theories and approaches to federalism, highlighting key principles and perspectives. Next, we will explore the conceptual foundations of intergovernmental relations, including its meaning, scope, and models. Following that, we will consider how federalism and IGR function in practice, focusing on administrative and financial relationships, imbalances, and institutions. Finally, we will conclude by discussing contemporary issues, challenges, and emerging trends that shape the future of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the key principles and theoretical perspectives of federalism, • SLO 1.2 explain the meaning, scope, and objectives of intergovernmental relations, • SLO 1.3 analyse the administrative and financial relationships among different levels of government, • SLO 1.4 evaluate the issues of vertical imbalance and horizontal disparities in federal systems, and • SLO 1.5 identify contemporary challenges and emerging trends in intergovernmental relations in Nigeria. 1.1 Theories And Approaches To Federalism 1.1.1 Definitions and principles of federalism Federalism is a system of government in which authority is divided between two or more levels, typically the federal, state, and local governments. Each level has powers that are constitutionally guaranteed, meaning they cannot be taken away without formal amendment. The essence of federalism lies in balancing unity with diversity, allowing different regions or communities to govern themselves while still being part of a larger political entity. A constitution is the legal framework that defines the powers and responsibilities of each level of government. It ensures that authority is distributed fairly and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes. Federalism seeks to achieve both autonomy (self-rule for each level) and cooperation (working together for common goals). Fill-in-the-blank: Federalism balances ______ with diversity, allowing different regions to govern themselves while remaining part of a larger political entity.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the division of powers between federal, state, and local governments. Figure 1.1: Division of powers in a federal system 1.1.2 Major theoretical perspectives on federalism Several theories explain how federalism operates and why it is adopted. • Dual federalism: This theory views federal and state governments as separate entities, each supreme within its own sphere. It is often described as a “layer cake” model. • Cooperative federalism: This approach emphasises collaboration between levels of government, sharing responsibilities and resources. It is often referred to as a “marble cake” model.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Fiscal federalism: This perspective focuses on the financial relationships between levels of government, including taxation, revenue allocation, and expenditure responsibilities. • Competitive federalism: This theory highlights competition among states or regions to attract investment, resources, or policy advantages. Fill-in-the-blank: The “layer cake” model of federalism is associated with ______ federalism, while the “marble cake” model is linked to ______ federalism. Box 1.1: Summary of major theories of federalism 1.1.3 Approaches to intergovernmental relations Intergovernmental relations (IGR) refer to the interactions among different levels of government in a federal system. Approaches to IGR include:
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Legal approach: Focuses on constitutional provisions and legal frameworks that define relationships. • Political approach: Emphasises the role of political actors, parties, and negotiations in shaping IGR. • Administrative approach: Examines how bureaucracies and institutions manage cooperation and conflict. • Financial approach: Considers how resources are distributed and managed across levels of government. IGR is essential for maintaining harmony in a federal system, as it provides mechanisms for resolving disputes and coordinating policies. Fill-in-the-blank: The ______ approach to intergovernmental relations focuses on constitutional provisions and legal frameworks.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Table 1.1: Approaches to intergovernmental relations Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which key document defines the powers and responsibilities of each level of government in a federal system? 2. What is the main difference between dual federalism and cooperative federalism? 3. Which theory of federalism focuses on taxation and revenue allocation? 4. What does the political approach to intergovernmental relations emphasise? 5. Fill in the blank: Federalism seeks to achieve both ______ and ______. 1.2 Conceptual Foundations Of Intergovernmental Relations
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.1 Meaning and scope of intergovernmental relations Intergovernmental relations (IGR) refer to the interactions, processes, and mechanisms through which different levels of government in a federal system work together, share responsibilities, and resolve conflicts. The scope of IGR covers political, administrative, financial, and legal dimensions, ensuring that governance remains coordinated across federal, state, and local levels. IGR is essential because no single level of government can function effectively in isolation. For example, while the federal government may design national policies, state and local governments are often responsible for implementation. Fill-in-the-blank: Intergovernmental relations refer to the ______, processes, and mechanisms through which different levels of government interact.
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