The .... was the programme initiated to institutionalise the local government system in Nigeria

The Local Government Reform of 1976 was the programme initiated to institutionalize the local government system in Nigeria. The Local Government Reform of 1976 was introduced by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed with the aim of decentralizing power and promoting grassroots development. The reform created a system of local governments across Nigeria, which were responsible for delivering basic services to their communities, such as water, sanitation, and primary healthcare. Under the reform, each state was divided into local government areas (LGAs), and each LGA was to have a democratically elected council responsible for governing the affairs of the local community. The councils were expected to generate revenue, manage local resources, and prioritize the needs of the community. The Local Government Reform of 1976 was a significant milestone in Nigeria's political history, as it marked a departure from the centralized governance that had characterized the country's post-independence period. The reform helped to bring governance closer to the people and empowered local communities to participate in decision-making and development. It's worth noting that while there was a Local Government Reform of 1979, it was a follow-up to the 1976 reform and did not introduce any significant changes to the local government system.