Concept:Recognition of local government as a formal third tier of government in Nigeria's constitutional development.
Explanation:The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria was the first to officially recognise local government as the third tier of government.
This created a three-level structure of governance: federal, state, and local government.
The 1960 and 1963 constitutions operated a two-tier system with only the federal and regional (later state) governments.
The 1946 Constitution (Richards Constitution) focused mainly on colonial administration and made no provision for local government as a distinct level of governance.
The 1979 Constitution granted local governments constitutional status and clearly defined their functions.
It also ensured that local government councils were democratically elected and given specific responsibilities.
This change helped bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots level.
Answer:C. 1979 Constitution