Category Archives: Local Government Studies

THE PROBLEMS OF REVENUE GENERATION AT THE GRASSROOTS GOVERNMENT IN RELATION TO DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The Local Government is the third tier of government which is the tier of government closest to the citizens. Local Government occupies a strategic position in the administrative and developmental processes of every state, especially the rural areas. Since it is practically impossible for the central government to control every detail of the state’s functions, it is necessary that local governments are established to attend to the details of local administration, giving full weight to local preferences and prejudices on every issue. Thus, this study will focus on the problem of revenue generation in the Abeokuta-North Local Government area. Besides, it will articulate the introductory aspects of study which includes background, statement of the problem and the scope of the study.

1.2 Background of the Study

Bello-Imam(1986) asserts that “countries all over the world have appreciated the fact that it is cumbersome to administer and manage the affairs of the state by central government authority”. Consequently, they have established local government or structures of subsidiarity at the local levels. The United Nations in its conception of Local Government asserted that “it is a political division of a Nation (or in a federal system) which is constituted by law and has sustained control of local affairs, including powers to impose taxes or exact labour for prescribed purposes. The governing of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected” (Abubakar, 1993). According to Ojofeitimi (2000), the word “local” suggests that councils are meant for small communities and “government” means that they have certain attributes of government. Agbakogba and Ogbonna (2004) define the local government from a legal perspective. They see it as a “political administrative unit that is empowered by law to administer a specific locality”.

The practice of local government in Nigeria is traceable to the pre-colonial era which was characterised by local authorities managing the affairs of their localities and communities independently. The local authorities included the Obas, Emirs, Council of Elders and other such traditional arrangement. This was met with gradual transformation upon the emergence of the colonial period. Based on available record, the first local administration ordinance was the Native Administration Ordinance No 4 of 1916 which was designed to evolve from Nigeria’s old institutions, the best suited form of rule based on the people’s habit of thought, prestige and custom.(Bello-Imam 1990). While the colonial government managed the affairs of the Nigerian state at the centre, they introduced native authorities under the policy of association/indirect rule to see to local administrations at the grassroots. Macpherson constitution of 1946 initiated some remarkable changes; the regions introduced some reforms in their local administrations in the 1950s which aimed at enhancing performance.

From Independence and through the period prior to 1976 reforms, local government in Nigeria varied in form and structure from various regions of the country. Also, there was decline in the responsibilities and effectiveness of the existing local governments. This was not unconnected with and yet not limited to the heated political climate and excessive politicking with struggle for power and dominance. The regional governments were not left out as they took upon themselves most of the responsibilities of the local government through deliberate encroachment on their activities. It is in this sense that Aworawo and Akpan noted that before the introduction of the 1976 Local Government Reforms, the local governments in Nigeria were quite deficient in structure, size, staffing and finance- a development which inhibited their effectiveness as agents of national integration and grassroots development.

Local government administration in the country experienced fundamental changes in 1976. Local government reform created for the first time, a single-tier structure of local government in place of the different structure in the various states. The main focus of the 1976 reforms is the restructuring of the financial system and revenue of local government. Statutory allocation from the federation account and states revenue was made mandatory and was entrenched in the recommendations of the Aboyade revenue commissions of 1977.

With the entrenchment of 1976 reforms in to the 1999 Constitution, the efforts of reviving the local government system in the country proved quite productive as the constitution formally recognised the local government. Nonetheless, the potential ability of the 1976 reform to fully transform the local government system was cut short. Despite the constitutional force and unified system feature of local government with respect to 1976 reform, the constitutional procedure of voting in at least 75% of local council representatives was neglected and sole-administrators were appointed to manage the various existing local governments between 1979 and 1983. Awofeso in his book “Issues in Local Government Administration” revealed that by the time General Buhari ascended political power, local government authorities were begging for urgent attention. The local government existent in the country were financially handicapped and were virtually under-functioning. The new local government created between 1979 and 1983 were later dissolved and subsequently, a 21-man committee was set up under the chairmanship of Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki by the Federal Military Government on the 28^th of May, 1984 to look into the problems of the local governments which include; re-examining the existing structures, functions and financial resources available to local governments for the performance of those functions; look into the accounting/management of local government, including the standardization of various departments off the councils; propose how best to manage inter-governmental relations between federal, state and local governments and also between local governments and ministries for local governments, local service commissions among others.

The 1988 local government reform takes its bearing from the 1988 Civil Service Reform and since the inception of the fourth republic up till the present administration, local governments in Nigeria is continually faced with difficulties of allocation/revenue generation and administration of overall finance of the local governments. It is therefore necessary to address the challenges of revenue generation, local spending and overall management of the affairs of the government at the grassroots. This study will at such seek to address these issues and seek prospects to ensuring increasing stability in local government avenues for revenue generation.

1.3 Statement of Problem

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for local governments to fulfil their statutory obligations because of the costs involved. The general concern over the seemingly slow development of the rural areas in Nigeria has created a doubt as to the relevance of local governments in Nigeria whose primary function is to effect a representative government faster and closer to all the areas of state land. Inadequacy of funds for various developmental projects stands as the cause for these shortcoming despite the increasing revenue allocation from the federation account to the local governments. Hence, the reasons for the various avenues granted the local governments to generate revenues themselves. The most severe problem facing public institutions is a fiscal one, particularly in the local government. The fiscal problem is often birthed by factors including over-dependence on statutory allocations from the state and federal governments, deliberate tax evasion by the local citizenry, creation of non-viable local government areas that is not self-sustaining and cannot cater for its local populace, differences in the status of local governments in terms of rural-urban dimension leading to variation in internal revenue, inadequate revenue and fiscal jurisdiction.

For financially healthy local governments to exist, responsibilities and functions must be allocated in accordance with their taxing power and ability to generate funds internally. The constitutional provision that recognizes local government’s power in this regard must give them full freedom to operate and this must be well granted and adequately protected. These measures, coupled with a review of the revenue sharing formula, the granting of fiscal autonomy and fiscal discipline as well as making local governments responsive, responsible and accountable to the people will set local governments free from fiscal stress promoted and strengthened by the 1999 constitution.

The local government is faced with myriads of problems ranging from corruption and embezzlement, poor financing, mismanagement of funds to poor leadership. This obviously has deterred the development of local government in Nigeria. However, the most important problem of local government is the revenue generation. Hence, the problem statement of this study. The major issues to be considered are; what factors have contributed to non-performance of local governments; is it because of total dependence on federal and state statutory allocation? Is it as a result of poor internally generated revenue drive? Is it because of ineffective utilization of the available resources or mismanagement by public office holders? Certain percentage of the statutory allocation has always been deducted by the state government thereby causing the local governments to underperform. Noteworthy is the fact that;

Without revenue independence, the goal of local government cannot be achieved.
Absence of resource mobilization is by far the greatest problem of local government administration.

Based on the above slated problems, it has become necessary to conduct a research analysis on the problem of revenue generation in Nigeria of which Abeokuta North Local Government will be a case study.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this research is to evaluate the problems of revenue generation at the grassroots government in relation to development.

The specific objectives are:

To examine the relationship between the statutory allocation to the local government and internally generated revenue (IGR) of the local government.
To ascertain the extent to which the restriction of local government fiscal autonomy has affected the effective functioning of the local government.
To ascertain factors responsible for ineffective implementation of local government projects.
To evaluate the reasons for low internally generated revenue and how it has contributed negatively to local government developmental efforts.

1.5 Research Questions

The Research Questions are;

What are the critical issues in revenue generation in local government in Nigeria?
How has the total dependence on federal and state statutory revenue contributed to the dearth of internally generated revenue (IGR)?
How has the deficit on revenue generation affected the developmental efforts in Abeokuta North Local Government?

1.6 Significance of the Study

From historical precedence, it is obvious that there is underperformance of the local government and there is need for the local government to improve their performance. However, this research will significantly consider the actions and inactions of the government at the grassroots as regards question of revenue generation and the need to utilize substantial revenue from its various sources in addition to federal and state statutory allocation for developmental purpose. The study will also help in identifying some means of generating revenue that has been neglected over the years. It will also be beneficial to grassroots because improved revenue generation means improved standard of living in form of provision of social services and amenities such as roads, hospitals and primary health centres, local parks, drinkable water, rural electrification, etc. The study will most importantly take into consideration the fiscal issues, deficiencies and challenges of generating and utilizing revenue in the Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State, analyse facts and figures about revenue status of the local government and make recommendations which will be invaluable for educationists, researchers and political office holders.

1.7 Theoretical Framework

Ola and Tonwe(2009) stated that in attempting to formulate theories about the performance of local governments, one can evolve a well distilled list of criteria of what local governments ought to be functionally concerned with and what it theoretically ought to be engaged in.

There are three major theories of local government. These are the democratic participatory, efficient-services, and developmental schools of thought.

Democratic participatory School

The democratic participatory school of thought holds the view that local governments exist solely for the purpose of promoting democracy and participation at the grassroots level thereby bringing government nearer to the people (Adamolekun, et al 1988).

This theory holds that local governments function to bring about democracy and to afford opportunities for political participation to the citizens as well as to educate and socialize them politically. This viewpoint has been corroborated by Keith-Lucas, David Bulfer and William Machenzei. This school asserts that the local government is a prime element of democracy and demonstrates the intrinsic values of democracy, insisting that, irrespective of the service it offers, the local government offer the closest thing to the widespread consultation and participation. A very important part of this democratic role is the opportunity it creates for political activity and social interaction. The crux of this theory is that local government must continue to uphold democracy through the provision of political education, participation and political socialization for its citizens.

Efficiency Services School

The opinion of this theory is that the main purpose of the local government is to provide services to the local people. The efficiency services theorists believe that the local government occupies the best position for the efficient performance of certain functions. This is made possible because of the nearness of the council to the people and because of the smallness of the population.

According to this school, the local government is to be more efficient than the state in providing these services since it is closer to the people (Livingstone, 2008).

The Developmental School

The developmental school emphasizes how local governments in the developing world can be an effective agent of a better life, an improved means of living, socially and economically and a means to have a better share in the national wealth. The proponents of this school contend that far more than in developed western countries, the local government in developing nations can and should have the function of helping to reduce the congestion at the centre.

If the local government is well articulated to stimulate initiatives, it can more easily identify available local skills, interests and capitalize on developing them (Olojede and Afegbua, 2011).

1.8 Methodology

This research work is approached through empirical and descriptive approaches. However, because of the peculiar nature of the Nigerian local government system, the research method is restricted to empirical and descriptive research, through personal inspection, observation, personal interviews of civil servants and political office holders in the Abeokuta North Local Government. Secondary sources such as library study, articles, records, and statistics relating to fiscal revenue including LGA reports will be subjected to descriptive and empirical analysis.

1.9 Scope and Structure of the Study

The study is focused on revenue generation and how it affects development of the local government areas. It will also involve the analysis of problems associated with revenue generation and its impact on the development of Abeokuta North Local Government. The Structure of the study is stated below;

CHAPTER 1

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Background of the Study

1.3 Statement of Problem

1.4 Objectives of Study

1.5 Research Question

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Theoretical Framework

1.8 Methodology

1.9 Scope and Structure of the Study

1.10 Summary

CHAPTER 2

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Review of Related Literature

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

2.4 Conclusion

CHAPTER 3

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Revenue Allocation Process in Nigeria

3.3 Issues in Revenue Allocation

3.4 Conclusion

CHAPTER 4

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Local Government and the Constitution

4.3 Local Government and Revenue Allocation

4.4 Abeokuta-North Local Government and Resource Question

4.5 Abeokuta-North and the State Government

4.6 IGR in Abeokuta-North Local Government

4.7 Revenue Generation and Development in Abeokuta-North Local Government

4.8 Conclusion

CHAPTER 5

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary of the Study

5.3 Summary of Findings

5.4 Implications for Policy

5.5 Further Research

5.6 Limitations of Study

5.7 Concluding Remarks

Bibliography

1.10 Summary

This chapter has looked at the background and historicity of local governments in Nigeria. Also, it has provided frame work of research, articulated the research problem, research question, objectives of study and methodology. In what follows, the literature on the subject of study will be reviewed.

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EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION STRATEGIES ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The major characteristic of the developing countries is the increasing disparity between the urban and rural area. The rural areas of Nigeria are blessed with a lot of people whose major occupation is agriculture and related activities. Because the dwellers are predominantly illiterates, most rural areas not focused when it comes to development project and programmes. However, in recruit times, the governments (feral, state and local) have been doing a lot in the development of the rural areas so that the rural dwellers are not completely left out in the scheme of things. The low level of infrastructure and human capital development of these programmes and schemes to achieve the desire objective. The decay and worsening rural condition and the attentions attendant increasing rural made in the past to effect rural development, the conditions of the rural dwellers have not improved; rather they have further deteriorated (Ademiluyi, 2000).

A radical change in priorities and in attitudes toward the rural sector as economic social necessity because the rural dwellers has also contributed in the nations development through direct and indirect location of rural people yet they have benefited little or nothing from economic development activities. There is also the erroneous misconception by successive governments that rural development is synonymous with agriculture development did not yield the meaningful change hence the need to include provision of modern infrastructure, primary health care, food and shelter, employment opportunities, recreational facilities, affordable and compulsory primary and secondary education, loans and other incentives as part of rural development for the benefits of rural dwellers.

This gap has its roots in the neo-classical economic theories which pressured that development can be accelerated by concentrating investment in the cities and that rural poverty will be ameliorated by the trickle down of benefits from the urban industrial growth. With growth centered strategy, the developing countries have continued to witness imbalances in the living conditions between the urban and rural dwellers. Consequently, development theories over years have been searching for alternative strategies that would not only accelerate growth but also spend the benefits of development of the rural areas (Umebale, 2006).

The World Bank indicates that over 60 percent of Nigerian population live in rural area with grossly underdeveloped and about two third of this group the extremely poor (UNDP, 2000) found out that an increasing number of Nigerians were living in and based in the rural area where poverty is higher than in urban area. Also it has been shown that there are major gains to be made in focusing on development projects for the rural area. Many governments of Nigeria in the past have engaged in development of rural areas. Unfortunately, some of these programs had faulty background, riddled with corruption, no political will to do what is right and follow programme to a logical conclusion. In some cases the programmes ended up enriching the political and military oligarchy with little or no benefit for the rural people (Okeke, 2008). Maduagwu (2007) stated that Nigeria has over this year’s embarked on many rural development programmes but majority of these have not had appreciable impact.

Various efforts have been made by government, local communities, voluntary and international organizations to transform rural communities. One of the strategies being employed is best carried out under the umbrella of community development associations to provide the needs of communities in the areas of welfare service, environmental sanitation, health services and provision of other infrastructures to make life meaningful for them. The Community Development Association (CDA) comprise of people living within a given locality or community with the sole aim of identifying their felt needs and agreeing on one way means towards the realization of such identified need. To address the challenges of rural development in Nigeria has put several agencies in the place, with an objective to uplift the living conditions of the rural people, in line with the United Nation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of having the proportion of people living in poverty by 2015. However, studies had shown that most of these measures seem not to be working particularly in rural areas because their impact is not wide felt and worse still their existence is unknown in the vast proportion of the country rural area (Olayemi 2001, Yusuf 2000 and Iro 2008).

Statement of the Problem

The rural of Nigeria are inhabitant by the link of the nation population; they serves as the base for the production of food and other agriculture product. They are also the major sources of capital formation for the country and a principal market for domestic manufactures. In general terms, the rural areas engage in primary activities that form the foundation for any economic development. Yet despite the importance attached to the rural areas, they are not attractive to live in. There is absence of infrastructure, which improves the quality of life such as potable water, schools, electricity, health centers and good roads which affect their standard of living.

An attempt at solving the rural problems has been the concern of the government over years and many agencies have been established to that effect. Such as Operation Feed the Nation (OFN); The Nation Accelerated Food Production Programmes (NAPFF) and the Directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (DFRRI) at the federal levels as well as the state government such as The Community and Social Development in Oyo State. However, majority of the projects are either abandoned or misused because they have faculty background and riddled with corruption with no political will to do what is right and follow up such programs to logical conclusion. Therefore this study intended to examine the effect of government interventions on rural development projects.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the effect of government intervention strategies on rural development projects

The specific objectives are to:

Find out specific rural intervention projects embarked upon Oyo State.
Examine the effect of government project maintaining on rural community projects
Examine the effects of government founding on rural development project
Examine the effect of government provision of materials on rural development project.
Make recommendation on how the government can effectively develop the rural areas and improve the overall wellbeing of dwellers.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study is valuable to the government especially government agencies such as the ministry of local government in designing effective strategies to develop the rural areas thereby creating for nation development. The study also assist serve as an addition to practical knowledge for professionals like social workers, agric extension, personnel and other stake holders on appropriate methods to employ in order to improve the wellbeing of the rural dwellers. This study further highlight factors responsible for poor data quality and proffer recommendation towards their solutions as well as encouraged private infrastructural development of the rural area. Finally, it is envisage that this study may be useful for other researchers who are in need of literature and method of improving upon their findings further.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to the effect of government intervention on rural development on rural development project in selected local government area Oyo Sate. This study covered non-governmental organization, agencies and government policies on rural development projects.

1.6 Operational Definition of Terms

Government intervention: are governments supports which may be inform of money or material. It also includes establishment and monitoring of development projects that are meant for the people living in the rural area.

Rural development: refers to the process to the process of improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people living in relatively isolated and sparely populated areas. It has traditionally centered on exploitation of land intensive natural resources such as agriculture and forestry.

Development project: these are projects that government embarked upon to make life more meaningful for people living in the rural.

Community project: refers to term applied to any community-based project. This covers a wide variety of different areas within a community or a group of networking entities .Projects can cover almost anything, including the most obvious section of concern to any community, the welfare element.

Infrastructural development: this is the provision of major infrastructures like electricity, good roads and portable water for the use of people living in the rural area.

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POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OSUN STATE

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Local government exists to fill the gap, which the national government is too remote to fill. This means that local governments complements and extends the national government. It has been recognized as one important instrument for economic development, rural development and for the delivery of social services development at the grassroots level. It is therefore charged with the outrageous problem of poverty and its alleviation.

In Nigeria, local government as the third tier of government nearest to the people has been recognized as an institution capable of transforming the rural area. Consequently, there have been continuous attempts to create new local governments or restructuring the existing ones in the country with the objective of utilizing them as fulcrums for achieving economic development through series of programs which poverty alleviation is basically part of.

There has been increasing upsurge of interest in the literature of development administration and in planning circles on the positive role local government play in poverty alleviation. The emphasis is in terms of using local government as a strategic instrument for fostering, promoting and implementing economic development projects for alleviating poverty.

1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Absolute poverty has to do with living below whatever is defined as poverty line based on per capita income or consumption of individuals or households in a country. Successive governments have pursued different policy initiatives with a view to mitigating the problem. In spite of large scale investment committed to poverty alleviation programmes, >50% of Nigerians still live in relative poverty with over a third of the population languishing in extreme poverty.

The local government system is set up, at least in part, to help curtail the prevalence of poverty. The paper is aimed at an evaluation of to what extent this objective is being pursued and addressed by Nigerian local governments using some selected Local Governments in Osun State as case studies. People in Nigeria like others in other sub – Saharan Africa and South Asia remain the poorest in the world. In 1992 between 45 and 50% of the approximately 525 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria inclusive) were estimated to be living below poverty line. As once opined “The depth of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is typically higher than anywhere in the world” (World Bank, 1995a: 12-13). The picture is not different in Nigeria. The situation in Nigeria calls for more than mere formulation and execution of programmes and projects for poverty alleviations.

In a bid to overcome poverty, Governments initiated different policies and programmes since 1968 till date to alleviate it. These programmes include: Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI), Better Life Programme (BLP), Directorate of Employment (NDE); People’ Bank of Nigeria (PBN); Community Bank (CB); Family Support Programme (FSP); Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP); Poverty Eradication Programme (PEP); National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP); and National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS), Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme (O YES) whose aim were to ameliorate the suffering of the people by providing them employment opportunities and access to credit facilities to enable them establish their own businesses. All these programmes are done in the respective Local Governments though control by the National Government and some by State Government.

The study identified a whole gamut of factors militating against local governments contributing as they should to the issue of poverty alleviation; also examine the severity, spread and depth of poverty in the local governments. Therefore calls for deliberate conscious and well-focused efforts to poverty alleviation.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The creation of local government by the federal or state government is to bring government closer to the people and also foster the development of the local citizenry. To this, he must look for every means possible to alleviate poverty within his domain. The broad objective of the research is to;

To take a look at the possible solutions to Poverty in the selected Nigerian Local Governments.
To also know the people’s opinion on poverty alleviation and the ways with which the Local and State Government can partake in the various poverty alleviation programmes.
To establish and access the impact of the previous poverty alleviation programmes in the selected Local Government Areas.

1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

From statistics, the country has between 61-80% of its total population living below 1 Dollars per day although more severe in the North than in the South. Also, the State of Osun is known to be one of the poorest in the country which habitate the selected Local Government areas under study.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is significant as it attempt to consider the various ways of with which different government use to alleviate poverty in their jurisdiction and most especially the selected local governments. Aside this, the study will also enable us to identify the problems militating against the various poverty alleviation programmes, particularly in the selected Local Government Areas of Osun State.

1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The researcher faced some limitations in undertaking this study, notably in the areas of data collection, the distance of the research areas to each other, etc. Some of these problems are as follows;

The researcher was constraint by time as time frame for the submission of this research was short for an expansive research.

The unwillingness of most of the selected Local Government area staff to supply the needed data was another major problem.

Furthermore, financial resources are another major constraint during the course of the research.

Another very important problem faced during the course of this research is transport which really affected the researcher’s mobility due to the distance between the selected Local Governments

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following constitute research questions for this study which include the following:–

What are the efforts made by the selected Local and State Government to reduce poverty in their areas?
What are the impacts of poverty and its alleviation in Nigeria?
Which from comparison is the best way to alleviate poverty in the selected Local Government areas?
What is the performance of the government towards alleviating poverty

1.7 DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

EDE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Ede South is a Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Ede. It has an area of 219 km² (85 sq mi) and a population of 76,035 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 232. ISO 3166 code is NG.OS.ES. The time zone is WAT (UTC+1). The Local Government coordinates is 7°42′N4°27′E / 7.700°N 4.450°E. It has a population density of 344.7 inh./km²

[Source: National Population Commission of Nigeria (web).](2006)

Ede is a town in Osun State, Nigeria. The population of Ede is 304,738 (1987 estimate). The people are ethnic Yoruba. Among the higher institutions located in Ede are the Federal Polytechnic, Adeleke University and the Redeemer’s University of Nigeria. Nearby towns include Iragberi and Osogbo.

Historically, Ede was an important town in Yorubaland. Egungun festival is still widely celebrated, like many other traditional festivals but Ileya (eid-el-kabir) and Christmas are the main festivals. Throughout Nigeria, Id-el Kabir is celebrated most in Ede. Many people celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day as well. Ede is one of the older towns of the Yoruba people. It is traditionally said to have been founded about 1500 by Timi Agbale, a hunter and warlord sent by Alafin (King) Kori of old Oyo (Katunga), then the capital of the old Oyo Empire. He was to establish a settlement to protect the Oyo caravan route to Benin, a purpose similar to that of other Nigerian towns. Its traditional ruler is known as the Timi Agbale, popularly referred to as Timi Agbale Olofa-Ina. According to myth, he is the man whose arrows bring out fire. The most prominent Timi in recent history is Oba John Adetoyese Laoye. The late monarch is reputed for making the “talking drum” popular. This has made Ede a reference point in the art of drumming, specifically the talking drum. With his group of skilled drummers and poets, the late monarch entertained the Queen of England when she first visited Nigeria and thereafter in her palace in England. He died in 1975.

Ede is well known as a hospitable land. Locally made food includes “Eko and Ila”. Also sons and daughters of Ede can be found all over the world and works of lives. There are several compounds in Ede towns including Ile Agate,Agboja, Imole, Ile Idigba, Ile Obadina, Ile Alusekere, Ile Yemope, Ile Mogaji, Ile Oluyinka etc.

(Source from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Ife East is a Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the Town of Oke Ogbo. It has an area of 172 km² (66 sq mi) and a population of 188,087 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 220. ISO 3166 code is NG.OS.IE. The time zone is WAT (UTC+1). The Local Government coordinates is 7°27′N4°36′E / 7.450°N 4.600°E.

[Source: National Population Commission of Nigeria (web).](2006)

OSOGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OSOGBO SOUTH)

Osogbo is a city in Nigeria, the capital city of Osun State South-western Nigeria and a Local Government. It has an area of 47 km² (18sq mi) and a population of 155,507 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 230. ISO 3166 code is NG.OS.OS. The time zone is WAT (UTC+1). The Local Government coordinates is 7°46′N4°34′E / 7.767°N 4.567°E.

[Source: National Population Commission of Nigeria (web).](2006)

Osogbo is some 88 kilometres by road to Ibadan. It is also 100 kilometres by road to South or Ilorin and 115 kilometres to Northwest of Akure. The Town with an annual rainfall of about 0.6 metres lies mainly in the deciduous forest area which spreads towards the grassland belt of Ikirun, north of Osogbo. Osogbo is situated on a raised land which is well over 500 meters (800 feet) above the sea level and is drained by Osun River and its distributaries.

Osogbo lies on the railway line from Lagos to Kano which into existence in 1907. It is known for the Osogbo School of Art and the Oja Oba market building said to be former Oba’s palace, within yards of the Osogbo Grand Mosque.

Osogbo people are famed for their commercial activities in handmade, traditional woven cloth “AsoOke” and Batiks, same with cloth-dyeing, embroidery, pottery, goldsmithing. In addition, Osogbo people are renowned, world-wide, for their unique creations and Art works of different cadres; Painting, Carving, Bead-works, Sacred artworks and even Performing Arts etc.

Osogbo is the trade centre or a farming region. Yams, Cassava, Tobacco, and Cotton are grown. It is also home to several hotels and a football stadium with a capacity of 10000 and a second professional league team (Prime FC).

Most of the population are members of the Yoruba ethnic group. In 1988, about 27% of the population were engaged in farming as their primary occupation, 8% were traders and about 30% clerks and a section.

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THE IMPACTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

In this research work, the researcher intended to have a general discussion with local government as my background. But lack of space may not allow me for detailed discussion and analysis. However, all essentials part of the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria are discussed. In chapter one, I discussed the background, the problem, purpose of the study, scope, hypothesis, significance and some definition terms. In chapter two, contains literature review and review of related empirical research Furthermore, chapter three contains research design, population and sample selection for study, sampling technique, method of data collection, validation of data instrument, reliability of data instrument and method of data presentation and analysis. And chapter four, contains data presentation, data analysis and discussion of results. Finally chapter five, contains summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is a modest attempt at a lucid explication of the impact of local government in Nigeria.

Nigerian local government system has witnessed tremendous transformation since the introduction of the 1988 civil service reforms and its application at the local government administrations one of the changes introduced to strengthen the local government is the direct payment of their statutory allocations which was increased from 15% to 20%. In addition, local government auditor was established in each state government to ensure proper utilization of financial resources at the local level to check any misappropriation of public funds. Also all local government now has a common structure which distinguishes them from service department.

Local government at any level has some stand and roles such as the maintenance of law and order, the promotion of economic and social development. They are left with considerable freedom to act as they see fit for the interest of the local community.

From the point of view the governments as agent of development are well placed to help the rural areas to develop. These can be done by investing in social and economic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, electrification and telecommunication. The other essential duties inherited from the Native Authorities include rural and urban water supplies, markets and libraries. We generally regard the convenience list as including those extra amenities which make for a better life in the community, other than those life in the community, other than those which are concerned with fighting discuss e.g. bus and lorry parks. The regulation of handcarts on the streets, community and recreation centers, parks and open spaces, grazing areas and fuel plantations, the naming of streets and the numbering of buildings. These are recognized as automatically the responsibility of the local government. They also help in the service of park control and supply of water, electricity and gas, the provision of road and water transport, and any other trading undertaking that the state government specifically authorizes.

The local government also, take care for a specifically health orientation and supplying of drugs, a midwifery service, to arrange for health visiting and home nursing to provide facilities for vaccination and immunization.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Local government is expected to become more meaningful in facilitating social and economic development at the grassroots level. Central to the achievement of these objectives is the financial viability of this tier of government. This point has been subtly underscored by “Dasuki panel” on local government administration, when it observed inter alia that a good number of local government roles could not be performed at all, due to a variety of reasons principal among which are:

(i) Inadequate financial capacity

(ii) Lack of necessary technical manpower and erosion of functions particularly in the revenue yielding areas by state government – thus reducing the revenue base of the local government.

This demonstrates that success or failure of local government depends among other things, on their revenue base, the fiscal resources available and the way these resources are utilized. However, central to the above is the ability of the local government to generate substantial financial resources which is one of the tripartite goals of every local government in Nigeria more importantly, one is inclined to think that this is the point that can give an impact in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty of Idemili local government. The researcher wants to identify the reasons for the vicarious cycle, and proffer a solution to the above problems.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study seeks to look at the contribution of local government development of rural areas in Nigeria using Idemili local government area of Anambra state.

This research also aimed at identifying different factors militating the effectiveness of local government and solutions to those problems identified and it will be offered at the completion of the research work.

Finally, the study makes a modest attempt to fulfill this purpose in the social and economic development of the effective delivery of service to the respective local populations scattered all over the country. It also make recommendations on making local government an effective third tier of government, the development and management of the human resources of local governments and the development of the financial resources of local government. The overall thrust of the recommendation is on how to ensure faithful implementation of local government.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

The research hypothesis for work will be based on the following:

Do local governments have any role to play in the economic development of rural area?
To what extent has local government administration played its roles in rural area?
Does low morale among the staffs of local government militate development of rural areas?
Is there any constraints that militate against the success of development process of local government?
Does weak financial base hinder the goals of meeting up rural development?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The need and importance of the research is obvious. At a time when local government has come to assume an overwhelming influence on the process of political and economic development.

It becomes more relevant to examine much more closely, the characters and dynamics of this third tier of government and to clarify the major contradictions that have landed to impede its capacity to promote development at local level.

However, a scientific study of this kind becomes necessary especially at this time when the past and present civilian administrations are particularly concern about rural development.

Finally, this study will generally add to the growing numbers of literature on local government affairs, more particularly on the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria and pragmatic solutions offered towards making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of rural Nigerians, its also, to policy makers and researchers alike.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research area and dimension of coverage is based on only the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria and to the staffs, teachers, businessmen and farmers in Idemili local government area of Anambra state.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The researcher is also affected by the usual constraints and problems prominent in similar researchers in Nigeria.

These constraints were summarized below

Finance: This created a lot of problem to the researcher in the cause of carrying out proper investigation of this research, but this was not enough because of other uses in which it is been put to.
Time Constraints: The time available for the research work was very limited with other assignment and preparation for examination has caused a barrier to the researcher findings.
Dearth of Statistical Data and Information: as a result of lack of documental data the research work appears to be some how written for easy understanding.

1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

The following terms have been defined for the purpose of this study:

Local government: This is government at a local level exercised through representative councils established by laws toe exercise specific functions with in a defined area.
Development: Development is a multi – dimensional process involving a re-organizational and reorientation of the entire economic and social system, in addition to improve income and outcome. Its typically involves radical changes in institutional, social as well popular attitude and sometimes even customs and belief.
Council: This refers to the organ that constitute representation of people either elected or nominated.
Social Economic Development: This is a combination of social and economic development. It embraces improvement in not only standard of living and per-capital income, but also high level of employment, reducing inflation, adequate food, high infrastructures, stressing values rather than achievement.
Objectives: These are end results to which an organization or government activity directed objective are hierarchical in nature are determined or formulated by top management of an organization after economic, social and political forces affecting the organization have been apprised.
Programmes; This consists of essentially integrated series of development projects that spans over a length of time.

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REVENUE GENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

ABSTRACT

The study examined Revenue Generation and the Development of Local Government Areas with reference to Umuahia North Local Government Area as a Case Study. Objectively, three research questions and hypotheses were formulated. The survey design was used in the study. The sample size was 133 out of 200 staffs of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. 133 questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The data gathered were analyzed using SPSS Package Version 17. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between statutory allocation to local government and the government developmental effort; Revenue from Value Added Tax has significant impact on government capital projects … . Based on the findings, conclusion was drawn and recommendations given that machinery should be set to draft bye – laws with expediency for possibly legislation; the local government chairman should ensure that machinery be in place to generate more revenue internally to enable them do more development projects; the local government authorities should not be over dependent on statutory allocation from the federal government; training and re-training programmes for the revenue officials should be organized to enable them meets the challenge of the new millennium … .

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Revenue generation in Nigeria local governments is principally derived from tax. Tax is a compulsory levy imposed by government on individuals and companies for the various legitimate function of the state (Olaoye, 2008).

Tax is a necessary ingredient for civilization. The history of man has shown that man has to pay tax in one form or the other that is either in cash or in kind, initially to his chieftain and later on a form of organized government (Ojo, 2003).

No system or rules can be effective whether foreign or nature unless it enjoys some measures of financial independence. Local governments in Nigeria have developed over a number of years. Historically, the development of direct taxation in local government in Nigeria can be traced to the British pre-colonial period under this period, community taxes were levied on communities (Rabiu, 2004).

Recently the revenue that accrues to local government is derived from two broad sources, via the external sources and the internal source.

An effective Local Government system rests majorly on the availability of human and material resources which the nation could mobilize and harness for local governments development. In 1976, the Federal Military Government then issued guidelines on local governments reforms. The reforms which gave recognition to local governments as the third tier of government whereby government activities at the local level were taken care of. In 1988, another reform of local government was established. This gave a substantial and unprecedented reform of autonomy to the local governments in the country. With this autonomy, greater responsibilities devolved on the local government therefore, became a common knowledge that most of the local government are finding it difficult to cope with the present level of responsibilities.

The principal aims of creating local governments were as follows:

To serve as the third tier of government through which appropriate services and development are made in response to the wishes of local community through their representatives.
To serve as an intermediary between government at the center and local communities.
To mobilize and utilize both human and material resources by engaging the people at the local level in the government activities.
To facilitate the exercise of democratic self – government closer to the grass root of the society and to exchange initiative and leadership potential.

Mostly, all local governments in Nigeria do no longer perform their responsibilities simply because of poor finances arising from adequate revenue generation drive. The bad financial situation is further aggravated by the prevailing inflationary situation in this country which erodes the value of funds available to render essential social services to the people. Development is highly associated with fund, much revenue is needed to plan, execute and maintain infrastructures and facilities at the local government level. The needed revenue generated for such developmental projects like construction of accessible roads, building of public schools, health care centers, construction of bridges among others are sources generated from taxes, royalties, haulages, fines and grants from states, national and international governments. Thus, the Local government cannot embark, execute and possibly carryout the maintenance of these projects and other responsibilities without adequate revenue generation.

This is the basic reason why development is skeletal at some Local Government councils in Nigeria. The revenue generation is not exceptional to Umuahia North Local Government area in Abia state

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The local government is faced with myriads of problems ranging from corruption and embezzlement, poor financing, mismanagement of funds to poor leadership. This has deterred the development of local government in Nigeria.

The major issues are; what has contributed to the non-performance; is it because of total dependence on federal and state statutory allocation? Is it as a result of poor internally generated revenue drive? Is it because of ineffective utilization of available scarce resources or mismanagement by public office holder? Among others, certain percentage of the statutory allocation has always been deducted by the state government thereby causing the local government to underperform which includes; Dilapidated infrastructural facilities, Unavailability of social services to rural populace and Underdevelopment of local communities.

Based on the above stated problems, it has become necessary to conduct an analysis on revenue generation in Umuahia North Local Government area of Abia state.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this research is to evaluate revenue generation and development of Local Government Areas with particular reference in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The specific objectives are;

To examine the relationship between statutory allocation to the local government and government developed effort.
To ascertain the extent which value added tax has contributed to government developmental effort.
To evaluate the extent to which internally generated revenue has contributed to Local government development and it various sources.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated for this study.

What is the relationship between statutory allocation to Local Government and Government developed effort?
How has value added tax (VAT) contributed to Government developmental effort?
To what extent has internal generated revenue contributed to Local Government development and its sources?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a theoretical conceptualization or an idea or guest regarding how the researcher thinks the result of his study will look. It consists of a set of assumptions accepted previously as a basis of investigation. It is a proposition that is yet to be tested for its validity.

For the purpose of this research study, three null hypotheses were formulated.

H01:There is no relationship between statutory allocation to Local Government and Government developed effort.

H02: Value added tax has not contributed to Government developmental effort

H03: Internal Generated revenue has not contributed to Local Government development and its sources.

1.6 Significance of the Study

From the outlook, there is need for the local government to improve their performance. However, the research is significantly considering the closeness of local government to the grassroots’ people and the need to utilize substantial revenue for its various sources in addition to federal and state statutory allocation for developmental purpose.

The study will help to identify some means of generating revenue that has been neglected over years.

It will also be beneficial to the grassroots because improved revenue generation means improved standard of living in form of provision of social amenities such as road, hospital, park, drinkable water, rural electrification etc.

The study will be educative as it will be a reference point for researchers.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study would appraise the revenue generation for the period of five years (2006-2010) in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

This study has some limitations most especially in the area of data collection which is to be covered and has time duration of five years (i.e. 2006–2010).

Financial constraints as well as time available for the completion of the study are among other factors that would limit the scope of the study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Local Government: is a form of public administration which in a majority of contexts, exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state. The term is used to contrast with offices at state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or (where appropriate) federal government and also to supranational government which deals with governing institutions between states. Local governments generally act within powers delegated to them by legislation or directives of the higher level of government. In federal states, local government generally comprises the third (or sometimes fourth) tier of government, whereas in unitary states, local government usually occupies the second or third tier of government, often with greater powers than higher-level administrative divisions.

Revenue: The amount of money that a company actually receives during a specific period, including discounts and deductions for returned merchandise. It is the “top line” or “gross income” figure from which costs are subtracted to determine net income. Revenue is calculated by multiplying the price at which goods or services are sold by the number of units or amount sold. Revenue is the amount of money that is brought into a company by its business activities. In the case of government, revenue is the money received from taxation, fees, fines, inter-governmental grants or transfers, securities sales, mineral rights and resource rights, as well as any sales that are made.

Income Generation: Money that an individual or business receives in exchange for providing a good or service or through investing capital. Income is consumed to fuel day-to-day expenditures. Most people age 65 and under receive the majority of their income from a salary or wages earned from a job. Investments, pensions and Social Security are primary sources of income for retirees. In businesses, income can refer to a company’s remaining revenues after all expenses and taxes have been paid. In this case, it is also known as “earnings”. Most forms of income are subject to taxation.

Expenditure: Payment of cash or cash-equivalent for goods or services, or a charge against available funds in settlement of an obligation as evidenced by an invoice, receipt, voucher, or other such document. See also revenue expenditure, capital expenditure.

Tax: An involuntary fee levied on corporations or individuals that is enforced by a level of government in order to finance government activities. In the investing world, this is one of the most important types of taxes and, therefore, one of the most highly debated types of tax is capital gains tax. Capital gains tax represents the tax paid on the increase in value made on an investment.

Tax Evasion: An illegal practice where a person, organization or corporation intentionally avoids paying his/her/it’s true tax liability. Those caught evading taxes are generally subject to criminal charges and substantial penalties. There is a difference between tax minimization/avoidance and tax evasion. All citizens have the right to reduce the amount of taxes they pay as long as it is by legal means.

Tax Avoidance: The use of legal methods to modify an individual’s financial situation in order to lower the amount of income tax owed. This is generally accomplished by claiming the permissible deductions and credits. This practice differs from tax evasion, which is illegal. Most taxpayers use some forms of tax avoidance. For example, individuals who contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans with pre-tax funds are engaging in tax avoidance because the amount of taxes paid on the funds when they are withdrawn is usually less than the amount that the individual would owe today. Furthermore, retirement plans allow taxpayers to defer paying taxes until a much later date, which allows their savings to grow at a faster rate.

Development: The process by which people create and recreate themselves and their life circumstances to realize higher level of civilization in accordance with their own choice and values.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF KADUNA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

This study researched “Local Government as an Instrument for Socio-Economic Transformation of Kaduna South Local Government Area”. The design of the study is survey method. The population of Kaduna South Local Government Area consists of 402,731 based on 2006 census and the sample is 400. The instrument used to generate data is the questionnaire and the data generated was analysed using frequency and simple percentage method. As a result of the analysis made, the fifteen statements of the three research objectives/questions are above the acceptance region format of 3.0. This affirms that the fifteen (15) statements/items of the three research objectives …. Based on the findings, recommendations were made such as: local governments should strive to raise and maintain revenue that would enable her deliver projects and services that guarantee quality living to the grassroots. This has the potency of reducing the incidence of rural-urban drift; local governments should be more people-centered in approach, such that necessary collaboration/partnership with communities in its domain can facilitate the process of rural development.

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THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREA

THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREA IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF UDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN ENUGU STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is a modest attempt at a lucid explanation of the role of local government in Nigeria.

Nigerian local government system have witnessed tremendous transformation since the introduction of the 1988 civil service reforms one of the changes introduced at the local government is the direct payment of their statutory allocations which was also increased from 15%-20%, in addition, local government auditor was established by each sates government to ensure proper utilization of financial resources at the local level to avoid misappropriation of public fund. Also, all local governments now have a common structure which distinguish them from service department.

Local government at any level have some roles such as;

The maintenance of law and order, the promotion of economic and social development etc. They are left with considerable freedom to actual will for the interest of the local community. Form the administrative point of view, the government as an agent of development is well placed to help the rural areas to develop. These can be done by investing in social and economic infrastructure such as; roads, hospitals, bridges, schools, electricity and telecommunication. The other essential duties inherited by native authorities include; water supplies, markets and libraries. We generally regard the convenience list as including those extra amenities which makes life better in the communities other than the stated ones. These include; creation of bus and lorry parks, the regulation of land cards on the streets, community recreation centers, parks and open spaces, grazing areas and fuel plantations, the naming of streets and the numbering of houses These are recognized automatically as the responsibility of the local government. They also help in service of parks control and water supply, electricity and gas, the provision of road of transport and any other trading undertaking that the state government authorizes.

The local government also take responsibility for health orientation and drug supplies, midwifery services arrangement of health visit and home nursing to provide facilities for immunization and vaccination.

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APPRAISAL OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AS A PANACEA FOR RURAL TRANSFORMATION

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to The Study

The local government is viewed as a semi-autonomous area which is formed under the constitution or general laws of a state to carry out functions within specified geographical area. Agbakoba (2004), stated that the local government is an administrative and political unit that is vested with the powers under law to govern a specified locality. Its philosophy is entrenched on the idea of grassroots level participation in government.

Scholars and practitioners have indicated that local government are not only formed as representative arm of the state and federal government ,but as a means by which which goods and services are delivered to the people within the framework of enabling laws which established them.

Consequently it is the need to foster a balanced development in the rural areas and enhance the full participation of the rural dwellers that precipitate the establishment of the local government administration. The local government constitutes as a channel of administrative and political structure and facilitates national integration, rural commitment in governance, and a channel of fostering development at the grassroots. The local government is viewed as a co-partner with the state and federal government, Therefore the research seek to investigate local government administration as a panacea for rural transformation

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The rural populace is confronted with numerous developmental needs such as education, water, health care facility, good roads, electricity etc. This lack of basic amenities has constituted serious challenge to the living standard of the people resulting in poverty, poor health and living standard. Consequently the local government administration was instituted to serve as a bridge between the state and federal government in executing government development program at the local communities so as to enhance socio-economic development if the rural areas.

However according to Dare, (1989:38) The local government has not made the much needed significant impact towards the socio-economic development of the rural populace. He stated the much problems lies in the lack of provision of adequate funds to the local government. Also Ogunna (1980:44) identifies factors militating against the performance of the local government to include inadequate funding, poor executive capacity, poor and inadequate working equipment, staff incompetency and state government interference with its internal operations leading to excessive delays and bureaucracy. He therefore advocate for the review of the local government laws and regulation for a new reform to enhance a more effective local government administration. Therefore the problem confronting the research is to proffer an appraisal of local government administration as a panacea for rural transformation.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

To find out the roles of local government administration towards the transformation of the rural areas.
To determine what constitute the challenges confronting local government administration towards the transformation of the rural areas.

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Research hypothesis is a tentative and predictive answer to a question which issubjected to the power of verification and its formulation can be expressed in:

mjNull Hypothesis (H₀)
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)

Since hypothesis is statistical method of testing the attributes of predictive condition, we can test the study under the following hypotheses:

H₀: The impact of local government administration on rural transformation is low

H₁: The impact of local government Administration on rural transformation is high

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is particularly significant in view of the importance to develop the rural areas for socio- economic development. Consequently the study shall elucidate on the challenges mitigating rural development and proffer appropriate recommendation.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focuses on the Appraisal of the Local Government Administration as a Panacea for Rural Transformation in Nigeria.

The research was confronted by some constraint including logistic and geographical factor.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Role: A role is the assigned duty to an employee or an institution

Local Government: Agbakoba (2004), stated that the local government is an administrative and political unit that is vested with the powers under law to govern a specified locality. Its philosophy is entrenched on the idea of grassroots level participation in government.

Transformation: Transformation refers to a gradual or rapid change in the socio-economic, political and cultural lives of the people living in a particular area.

Grassroots/Rural Development: The term grassroots development as used in this study refers to the act or process of developing and empowering the well-being of the vast majority of the rural dwellers through the provision of basic social and economic infrastructures.

Rural Dwellers: This are the people living in the rural communities of a country with lack of lack basic infrastructure and amenities .

Democracy: Democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people. It implies that ultimate authority of government is vested in the common people so that the public policy is made to conform to the will of the people and to serve the interests of the people.

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THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF BENDE L.G.A IN ABIA STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Local government has and will continue to be of the prime mort of development in different parts of the world and their importance and impact on the daily activities of citizens cannot be over emphasized.

The terms local government refers to a political authority set up by a nation as a subordinate authority for the purpose of dispensing or decentralizing (political) power in the English souse, it means local self government.

Local government is a political sub-division of a national government or in federal system, a sub-division of regional government in fact local government administration so intentioned with community development that any discussion on one out of necessity involves in essence was created solidly to bring development to the community at the grass-roots.

Community development is with a new ideology. It is defined as a process by which the efforts of the people themselves are lives with those of government authorities to improve the economic social and cultural conditions of the communities to integrate into the life of active and to enable them to fully contribute to the national progress.

Also the role of local government at the local level is clearly recognized as one of the underlying basis of the 1976 local government reformed which emphasizes that none of the principle objective of local government is to mobilize human and material resources through the involvement of members of the public in the promotion of local government many communities had built schools constructed roads bridges and organized higher education, scholarship schemes for linear children etc.

Community development as we recognize today is based on and has grown out of experience of the past.

What is new is that these principles are now becoming more widely recognized than ever before the principles of community development are not new, but it is the emphasis which makes almost a revolutionary. The concept of community development is based on the faith in the ability of people to learn to help them attain improved standard of living building better communities taking one one step at a time. Rural development has thus remained one of the priority items of the programmes of one administration. In draining up the blue print for rural development government of Abia State aims primarily at sensitizing and mobilizing the people at the grass-root level and deliberately and actively involving them in effective community development encouraging integrated and multi-dimension approach community development for the government to achieve the grass-roots development it must get closer to the people community development groups and local government should work very closely because for instance a service project such as maternity dispensary or school which is built without the relevant main tenancy expense of such service are usually too heavy to be borne unaided to such.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the purpose of the project you will propose. Often, the statement problem will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final proposal directing your reader attention quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the proposed project itself.

A statement problem need not be long and windy. One page is more than enough for a good statement of problem.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The broad objective of the study is to find out the roles of local government in community development in bende local government.

The following are the specific objective of this study.

To determine the impact of finding on community development.
To determine the impact of corruption on rural development in Nigeria.
To establish the use of trained and professional workers in community development.
To ascertain the impact of local government authority on rural development in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

The following research questions, will guide the study.

What impact dose finding have on the development of rural areas in Nigeria.
To what extent dose corruption affect rural development in bende government.
How dose lack of trained and professional personal affect the standardization of project in community development.
What impact will local government authority have on rural development in Nigeria.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Somehow, most communities in bende seem to be legging behind in community development because of the above mentioned problems. As such, his study will be of benefit, it many people.

This work is expected to assist our policy makes who have taken it upon themselves to sensitize the rural dwellers in bende local government. This is because through the finding of this work, they would then appreciate the importance of identifying the needs of communities before embarking on any project in a community.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

It is obvious that Nigeria is a country that has 774 local government in the country this assignment was narrowed down to one local government area, which is bende local government area in easy accessibility and the emphasis therefore is the role of local government.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

As a result of the numerous local government area that is bende local government in Abia state the emphasis therefore should be the role of local government in community development. Lots of constraints were encountered in the financial constraints, scarcity of material and ignorance on the part of the respondents. But by the grace of God, I was able to assemble to the best of my ability the key information that will form a picture of what the study demands and hope that their constraints will pave away in subsequent to make for enlacement where necessary.

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THE IMPACT OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA: THE STUDY OF ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA

ABSTRACT

The research work examines The Impact of Inter-Governmental Relations on Local Government Administration in Nigeria, with special attention on Abuja Municipal Area Council, (AMAC), Abuja. Inter-governmental relations in Nigeria entails formal allocation of powers both vertical and horizontally among various levels of government. In this relationship local government is seen as a third tier or level of government with power to transform their areas of jurisdiction through good governance. Local government is not mutually exclusive of other levels of government and that as such there is bound to be an interaction between the local and other levels of government in Nigeria. The study is a historical and descriptive and adopted the system theory and power theory, to guide as means of vivid understanding of IGR and Local Government. To guide the study, four research questions and three hypotheses were posed. The researcher employed a survey design and a simple random sampling techniques used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using question while the hypotheses were analyzed using the chi-square. The finding indicated that: There is significant relationship between Inter-Governmental Relationship and local Government in Nigeria. The study therefore, revealed that right from 1954 – till date, local governments have been subjected to all sorts of control by other tiers of government namely, Federal and State governments, following the 1976 local government reforms, it was believe that the situation reforms, it was believe that the situation would improve, but instead, the status quo still remained. The study further reveal that inter governmental relations, among the levels of governments in Nigeria were in disarray due to the conflicts over issues of tax jurisdiction, revenue allocation, IGR, funds transfer, over concentration of power at the centre, illegal removal of elected local government officials among other factors. This lopsided relations has impacted negatively on good governance and by extension inability to implement live touching projects. Based on this, the study posits that for cordial relationship between local and other tiers of status of local government must be clearly spelt out, the issue of joint state – local government should be allowed to function as government with minimal control from the state, election rather than appointment should be the means of choosing leaders at the local level, judiciary should be made to be independent and the undue interference on the local government by the state or federal government has to be properly addressed. Also the present 1999 and 2011 amended constitutions for local to be constitutionally created and not state, there should be direct disbursement of federation allocation to local government account.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

It is a well known fact by practitioners and scholars that local government is a viable tool for rural transformation and delivery of social service to the people. Whether unitary or federal political system; the strategic importance of local government to the development process is not in doubt. However, this is contingent in the relationship that exists among levels or tiers of government (Enefiok and Ekpe, 2014).

According to Karingi,(2003), globally, federalizing necessitates the combination of self and shared rule. It accommodate multi-level government that authorizes autonomous political units to perform its peculiar functions within a political saturation. Despite the imitating of formal decentrali0zation poli0cies, unsuitable intergovernmental relations can engender these relationship between central and local government. In Nigeria, local government by constitutional provision stands as a district level vis-à-vis federal and state government

Enefiok and Ekpe (2014) posit that the concept of intergovernmental relations took the centre stage at a period when there were numerous and complex problem facing three levels of government. They argued that the concept has its beginning in Nigeria around 1950s with the establishment of advisory body on intergovernmental relations. This was necessary because of numerous and complex problem confronting three levels of government in our heterogeneous society. This interrelationship becomes necessary for the achievement of national integration for a harmonious co-existence of the parts, as well as the whole for sold governance and meaningful development.

However, six patterns of relationship in Nigeria intergovernmental relationship in Nigeria intergovernmental relations a identified by Enefiok and Ekpe (2014) are:

Federal-state relations
Federal-state local relations
Federal-local relations
Inter-state relations
State-local relations
Inter-local relations

This research work this, exosmic the impact of intergovernmental relations on local government Administration, the Abuja municipal Area council (AMAC), Abuja as its concerns, and the consequence of such relationship on good governance and project implementation for development purposes.

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The wave of popular pressure for political reforms that spread across most developing countries in the period stretching from the late 1980s to the mid-1990 culminated in the restoration and establishment of democratic institution. In most countries, where transition to elected government occurred, the most visible sign of the changes that took place was the repositioning of the third tier of government to its proper position for grassroots development. Indeed, general political reform is went hand in hand with economic reforms. Thus, during the 19902 and beyond, a considerable amount of discussion took place and centered on the question of good government to improve the situation in the rural areas (Maidoki and Philip, 2009).

The 1999 Nigeria constitution stipulates the function and powers of the levels of government in such a way that no one level of government can single-handedly perform the functions of service delivery to the people. Cooperation has thus become an important prerequisite for governance (Shah, 2006, cited in Solomon, 2014). Nigeria Federation like most other federal systems of government is characterized by diverse ethnic groups languages, culture, political power. The need to cater for these diverse elements and ensure service delivery at the grassroots level necessitated the creation of local government. According to Lawson (2011), in a unitary system of government, there is a strong centre and weak constitutes. In a confederal state however, the constituents are stronger than the centre. In a federal system, every unit is granted autonomy, to decide whether to stay in the union or to back out. However, event over the years in Nigeria’s Federation have shown the over-dominance of the federal government vis-a -vis inter governmental relations, which is structurally improper. The existing mechanism and institutions for intergovernmental policy coordination are very weak and need to be important to be improved and strengthened.

Ajulor and Okewale (2011), argued the intergovernmental relations (IGR) provides platform for series of legal, political and administrative collaboration between levels of government with varying degree of autonomy. It is generally referred to as the transaction between levels of government either national or regional or among federal, state and local government. Examining the conflict among the three levels of government, Jihadu (1998.27) points that:

The dynamics of Federal – state local government relations within the Federalist constitutional framework is one of a see-saw between interdependence and co-operation on one hand and conflict on the other hand, between the centre and the units and between the units themselves.

Abia (2010) maintained that local government was made the third tier of administration with some autonomy, which allows for interaction with the central and state governments. The characteristics of the federal government are, inter alia, the separateness and independence of each level of government, mutual non-interference in the distribution, of power, the existence of a supreme court and a court of law to act as an arbiter in intergovernmental dispute.

Solomon (2014) asserts that by the arrangement of the 1999 constitution on the distribution of powers, Nigeria still remains a centralized federation with strong unitary elements. Currently, there are compliments about over-concentration of power in the Federal government and demands for re-structuring of Nigeria by ethnic minority and Niger Delta people. Adamolekun, 91983) and Olopade (1984) were of the view that if Nigeria want to practice “true federalism”. It should go back to its 1963 constitution. Yet there are centrists who continue to support a very strong Federal government in order to counter Nigeria’s history of political instability.

Fadayi (2001) argued that unhealthy relationship between the states and local government in the Nigeria fourth republic. During this period, more than ten local government chairman have, by state execute flat, been remove or suspended from office. According to him, it was this that infuriated the local government chairman an made they to sue the thirty- six governors and their state assemblies. Also, the stop page of the monthly revenue allocations to some states for their conduct of election into newly created local governments made the federal and states governments to be at loggerhead. For example, the complicit between the Obasanjo administration at the federal and governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos in 2003.

The unhealthy rivalry between local government and other levels of government is a result of a number of interrelation factors: undue interference by the states government, unconstitutional removal of the local government chairman by some states governments, shortening of local government chairman tenure of office, joint states – local government account which the former controls and what the perceive to be an attempt by the federal government to relate directly with lo-cal government (Solomon, 2014). This research project will, therefore, examine these challenges in greater details and also considers why they occur in the first place respect to governance, and then, suggest ways it can be controlled.

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Category Archives: Local Government Studies

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ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF KADUNA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

APPRAISAL OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AS A PANACEA FOR RURAL TRANSFORMATION

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