Bob Project 2

PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA: A
CASE STUDY OF ORLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
A PROJECT WORK,
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL
SCIENCE, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES IMOS
STATE UNIVERSITY IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE
AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc) DEGREE IN
POLITICAL SCIENCE, IMO STATE UNIVERSITY
BY
OSUOHA EMMANUEL CHUKWUEMEKA
FEBRUARY, 2024.
1
CERTIFICATION
I, Osuoha Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Hereby Declare that this
Project work on “Problems Of Local Government In Nigeria: A
Case Study Of Orlu L.G.A” was carried out by me as an original
work.
........................... ........................
Osuoha Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Date
2
APPROVAL
This academic work on " Problems Of Local Government In
Nigeria: A Case Study Of Orlu L.G.A" was approved for the
award of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Degree in Department of
Poetical Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imo State University,
Owerri.
______________________ __________________
Dr Mrs Nwachukwu Date
(Supervisor)
____________________ __________________
Prof Prince Sam Ezeanyika Date
(HOD)
______________________ __________________
Prof. Agness Osita-Njoku Date
(Dean)
______________________ __________________
External Examiner Date
3
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to Almighty God, the author and giver of
wisdom and knowledge, for his blessings and favour. To Him be
all the glory now and forever, AMEN.
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researcher wishes to acknowledge everybody who has
contributed in one way or the other in making this work a success.
First and foremost, the invaluable assistance, guidance and
supervision of the project supervisor Dr. Mrs Nwachukwu is
highly acknowledged. This is because of his commitment in
making this work a success despite his tight work schedule. Also
remembered are all my distinguished lecturers in the department of
Political Science, Faculty of Social Science, they include Assoc.
Prof. Prince Sam Ezeanyika, Cyril Ozor (Ph.D), Assoc. Prof. C.I.
Ekwonna, Assoc. Prof. Iheanacho, Prof. Davidson Njoku, Prof.
B.T.O Ikegwuoha, Prof. C.B Nwachukwu, Prof. G.O Unanka, Dr.
Pascal Igboeche, Egwuogu Bonny Ikenna (Ph.D), Dr. J.A Ndoh,
Dr. Ifeoma Uhuegbu, Dr, Eudora Ohazuruike, Dr. Michael
lhemmadu, Mr. Robert Odoemena Dr. Emma Onyeiwu for the
knowledge they inculcated in me and for making me whom I am
today. May God continue to bless you all.
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I am highly indebted to my beloved parents for all their love,
prayers, advice and support in making this goal a reality. Am also
grateful to my siblings for their encouragement and motivation. to
all my friends, relations, course mates and well wishers, I thank
you all for your encouragement, motivation and positive influence.
God bless you all.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page
Declaration
Certification
Approval
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
List of Tables/Figures
List of Abbreviations/ Acronyms
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Operationalization of concepts
1.8 Scope of the Study
CHAPTER TWO
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE
REVIEW
2.1 Theoretical Framework
2.2 Justification of theory
2.3 Literature Review
2.3.1 Conceptual Review
2.3.2 Empirical Review
2.3.3 Research Gap
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Method of Data Collection
3.3 Method of Data Analysis
3.4 Population of the Study
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3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Sample Size
3.7 Area of study
3.8 Validity and Reliability of the study
3.9 Limitation of the Study
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Data Analysis
4.3 Discussion of findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
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List of Tables/figures
Table 4.1: Transparency and accountability in financial
management
Table 4.2: Residents and challenges to basic Amenities
Table 4.3: Political interference and Orlu L.G.A efficiency and
effectiveness
Table 4.4: Hindrances to developmental projects
Table 4.5: Citizen participation in decision making.
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List of abbreviations/ acronyms
LGCs Local Government Councils
LGA Local Government Administration
NYSC National Youth Service Corps
ICPC Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences

Commission
EFCC Economic Financial Crimes Commission
FCT Federal Capital Territory
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Abstract
This project dealt with /on the problems of local government

Administration. A case study of Orlu local government Area. The
Researcher adopted the both Efficiency Services Theory and the
Democratic participatory theory for this research. Both the primary and
secondary method of data collection was utilized for this study, the data
collected were presented in Frequency tables and analysed using simple
percentages. The researcher found that there’s an overwhelmingly expressed
dissatisfaction with the level of transparency and accountability in the
financial management of Orlu LGA. The researcher recommends among
other things that Local government authorities should prioritize efforts to
improve transparency and accountability in financial management processes.
This could involve implementing robust financial reporting mechanisms,
engaging with citizens through budgetary consultations, and strengthening
oversight mechanisms.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study
Local government administration in Nigeria has been in existence since

1972 but its inefficiency and ineffectiveness in addressing the primary needs
and wants of the people at the grass root has made the thirds tiers of
government irrelevance in the administration of the country lowest tiers of
government to the people. However, the efficient and effective provision of
basic amenities and social infrastructures for the people at the grass root are
key factors to the existence of any government. The local government
councils are required to serve the public interest in areas of constructing
roads, public markets, healthcare centres, drainages, transportation, motor
parks, building primary schools, among others. This is because, local
Administration is the concern of the grass root people in the provision of
social and economic amenities to the rural area where they come from,
making it government at the door step of rural inhabitants. These functions
of local government are well known and popularized by the constitution of
the country. What seems to matter most to the people of the grassroots is to
see tangible results of their taxes, contributions, labor expended and the
judicious use of monthly allocation from the federation account to their local
governments.
These local government councils are however faced with series of problems
and difficulties, which in the long run constitutes their challenges.
Identification of challenges which attend these processes will lead us to
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proffering or suggesting how they can be properly managed in the benefit of
the people in particular and society in general. So therefore, this paper
focuses on these challenges and suggests possible solutions to these
challenges in a country of seven hundred and seventy-four (774) local
government councils across the six geopolitical areas in Nigeria, Using Orlu
Local Government Area of Imo State as a case study, in order to ensure
development at the grass root level.
The expediency for the creation of local government anywhere in the word
starts from the need to facilitate development at the grass root. The
importance of local government is a function of its ability to generate sense
of belonging, safety and satisfaction among its populace. All forms of
government, regimes or political system have so far ensured the attainment
of goals. Such strategy for ensuring national administrative development and
political efficiency is found in the concept and practice of local government.
Whatever is made of government, local government has been essentially
regarded as the path to, and guarantee of national integration, administration
and development.
In Nigeria, social-political context with multiplicity of culture, diversity of

languages and differentiated needs and means, the importance of such an
organization is fostering the needed national consciousness, unity and
relative uniformity as well as presentation of peculiar diversities cannot be
overemphasized central too the creation of local government, however, it’s
ability to facilitate an avenue through which government and the people
intermix, relate quickly than any other means to resolve issues that may have
healed the system.
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Local government has been perceived as a panacea for the diverse problem
of the diverse problem of diverse people with diverse culture. As important
as this tier of government has been, there seems to be some impediments
range from political but undue interference of the higher levels of
government i.e. federal and state government, bribery and corruption to
embezzlement and gross inadequacy of well trained Personnel. Frequent
changes in local government administration and qualified personnel to
mention a few.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
The problems of local government administration have been a bane to

national and grass root developments. The essence of local government
creation as the third tier of government was to ensure effectiveness,
measurable and efficient service delivery to the people. But local
government is faced with various difficulties such as the following as
identified by the researcher. Those problem ranges from political but undue
interference of higher level of government i.e. federal and state government,
bribery and corruption to embezzlement and gives inadequately well trained
personnel.
1.3 Research Question
1. What is the impact of development projects executed by the Orlu

government on the level of development in communities?
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2. What is the level of regularity and adequacy of all constitutionally
approved revenue sources in Orlu local government communities, and
how does this impact the execution of development projects?
3. What is the extent of corruption in Orlu Local Government Area?
1.4 Objectives Of The Study
The researcher work is strutted to achieve the following objectives.
1. To determine the level of development in communities from the

execution of development project by Orlu government.
2. To ascertain the level of regularity and adequacy of all

constitutionally approve revenue source and their capability in
execution of development project Orlu local government
communities.
3. To determine the level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Hypothesis I
H0: There is no significant difference in the level of development in

communities before and after the execution of development projects by the
Orlu government.
H1: There is a significant difference in the level of development in

communities before and after the execution of development projects by the
Orlu government.
Hypothesis ii
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H0: There is no significant relationship between the regularity and adequacy
of constitutionally approved revenue sources and the execution of
development projects in Orlu local government communities.
H1: There is a significant relationship between the regularity and adequacy

of constitutionally approved revenue sources and the execution of
development projects in Orlu local government communities.
Hypothesis iii
H0: There is no significant level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A
H1: There is no significant level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A
1.6 Significance Of The Study
This study will be important to researchers, policy makers and

administrative because it seeks to unveil the problems of local government
administration through harnessing all those neglected function allocated to
her by the 1979 constitution. This rsearch work will make way for the
realization that continuity in planning and programs matters on who initiated
it, makes for accelerated development of the entire autonomous communities
in Mbaitolu local government area.
1.7 Operationalization of concepts
avoid ambiguity and salting away understanding, some concepts have been
defined to enhance their operation. They are:
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1. local government: this means the government at the local or grassroots
government exercised through elected representative to perform
specific functions. Awa(1980)
2. Local Government Administration: this is an administration, at the

rural settings. It is an administration mapped out for developmental
purposes through elective personnel’s who are elected to run the
affairs of local people through the use of constitutional percussions
and by-laws.
3. problem: are those crisis and need that human beings faced in life.
4. Government: government is a body of persons expected to carryout

the day –to-day administration of the affairs of the state which
involves making, interprtating and enforcing a law in a given society.
5. Administration: this could be defined as a process, procedures and
manner in which a constitutional authority manages and direct a
particular organization in order to achieve it’s\ aims and objectives.
6. Bye-laws: this is a law made by local authorities (local government )
1.7 Scope Of The Study
The scope of this is limited to the problems of local government

administration. A case study of Mbaitolu local government area.
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CHAPTER TWO
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Theoretical Framework
The Efficiency Services Theory

The thrust of this paper is that the performance of local government in
Nigeria can be interrogated through this theory. This is premised on the fact
that local government is the closest tier of government to the grassroots,
hence it is expected that they will impact on the populace better than others.
The main arguments of this theory are:
 Local government is an efficient agent for providing services that are
local in character.
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 Local government exist to provide services and it must be judged by
its success in providing services up to a standard measured by a
national inspectorate" (Mackenzie in Ezeani, 2012:16).
 In view of its proximity to the grassroots, local government can
provide some services more efficiently than the federal or state
governments.
 The efficient performance of these services makes the existence of
local government very compelling (Sharpe, 1970:168).
Relevance of Efficiency Services Theory to the Nigerian Local

Government System
The fourth schedule of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria is very clear on the functions of and expectations from Local
Government Councils (LGCs) as the closest tier of government to the
grassroots. These functions by which LGCs must be interrogated include
provision and maintenance of infrastructures such as roads, public
conveniences and formulation of economic planning and development
schemes to mention but a few. These have been termed as exclusive and
mandatory functions of LGCs by Nwachukwu (2000:38, 40).
The LGCs also have concurrent functions such as provision and
maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education; development of
agriculture and natural resources; provision and maintenance of health
services. There are also extractive functions through which they can boost
internally generated revenues; Distributive functions which deals with
allocation of values and benefits to the local populace; Regulative and
protective functions aimed at maintaining law, order and public safety:
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Educative functions which are directed at changing negative traditional
attitudes and dispositions which drive social and economic progress.
The view of this paper is that this theory represents an ideal but not the real
situation in Nigeria as local government councils have not robustly proved
that they are efficient agent for providing services that are local in character.
To underscore this, especially with reference to the performance of LGCs in
Nigeria's fourth republic, Adamolekun (2009:19) posited that "since the
return to civilian rule in 1999, the LGs are widely perceived as failed
institutions". He identified several acts of corruption, mismanagement of
monumental proportions and consistent practice of undermining of local
government autonomy as explanatory factors. The later part of this averment
is attributed to the phenomenon of military hangover in governance and
public administration system which super imposed the military unitaristic
principles and bifurcated federal practice, thus circumscribing the
"coordinate and independent position of sub-national units as advocated by
theorists on federalism.
In addition, there is a disconnection between the governing elite and the
populace manifesting in low-level of people-oriented services and functions
that can impact on the livelihood of the masses. This is the paradox of
governance in Nigeria, occasioned by the tragic irony of the electoral
process and system that catapults mediocres into leadership.
By virtue of their proximity to the grassroots, it can be argued that this
position should make LGCs impact on their citizenry, especially under
civilian rule. However, the narrative shows that their leading personnel,
policy outcomes and political/administrative environments present debit
entry on the balance sheet. The extent to which they satisfy the yearnings of
the populace is open to debate and the Nigerian situation has been laid bare
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as the foregoing analysis testifies. However, to judge LGCs by standard set
by "national inspectorate gives a connotation of local administration. This
presents a view of local government as field administration, deconcentration
or administrative decentralization. Local governments in this sense become
agents of the central government, devoid of autonomy; financial and human
resources independence; and they lack legal personality as core attributes of
devolution which is the essence and ideal of a functional local government
system. The trajectory of local government administration in Nigeria shows
that these essentials of devolution have been absent and partly explains the
failure of LGCs to live to their billings.
It is consistent with good reasoning that for Nigeria to achieve the
development it aspires for, and this must be qualified as people-centred with
trickling effects, the country must travel the route of recognising the
compelling or indispensable functions of the third tier of governance, thus
capacitating them for efficient service delivery reflecting in the much
desired dividends of democracy. Only through these propositions canSharpe
(1970:168) make meaning to the lives of the average Nigerians.
2.2 Justification of theory
The Efficiency Services Theory serves as a pertinent framework for

examining the challenges facing local government in Nigeria, particularly
within the context of Orlu L.G.A. This theory posits that local government,
being the closest tier of governance to the grassroots, should efficiently
provide services tailored to local needs. However, the reality in Nigeria, as
evidenced by the performance of local government councils, especially in
Orlu L.G.A., diverges from this ideal.
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Firstly, the constitutional mandate outlined in the fourth schedule of
Nigeria's 1999 constitution clearly delineates the functions of local
government councils, emphasizing their responsibility for infrastructure
maintenance, economic planning, and social service provision. However, the
actual performance of L.G.A.s, including Orlu, falls short of meeting these
expectations.
As highlighted by Adamolekun (2009), local government councils in

Nigeria, including those in Orlu, are widely perceived as failed institutions
due to pervasive corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of autonomy. The
legacy of military rule has further exacerbated these issues, undermining the
decentralization principles essential for effective local governance.
Moreover, there exists a significant gap between the governing elite and the
populace in Orlu L.G.A., resulting in a dearth of people-oriented services
and a disconnect between policy outcomes and citizen needs. This
governance paradox underscores the urgency for reform and improved
performance at the local level.
In light of these challenges, the Efficiency Services Theory provides a

relevant lens through which to analyze the shortcomings of local
government in Orlu L.G.A. By emphasizing the need for efficient service
delivery and accountability, this theory underscores the imperative for
capacitating local government structures to better serve their constituents.
In conclusion, the application of the Efficiency Services Theory in the study

of local government problems in Nigeria, particularly within the context of
Orlu L.G.A., offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the root
causes of inefficiency and the pathways toward meaningful reform. Only
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through addressing these systemic challenges can local government truly
fulfill its mandate and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of
Orlu and beyond.
2.3 Literature Review
This chapter concerns itself with the review of existing and related literature
on local government administration. This review will be done under the
following sub-headings: Conceptual Review, Empirical Review and
Research gap.
2.3.1 Conceptual Review
Local Government
The conceptualization of the term local government" has been problematic;

this is because there is no unanimous acceptable definition of local
government among the scholars of local government and public
administration. However, Kyenge (2013) posits that the concept of local
government has been given various definitions by various scholars but no
matter how differently the concept is defined, it focuses on the transfer of
political powers to local areas by involving the inhabitants in the provision
of basic needs in their respective communities. At this juncture, it is
imperative to note the definitions of some of these scholars in the subject
matter.
Specifically, local government is a unit of government below the central,

regional or state levels established by law to exercise political authority
23
through a representative council within a defined geographical area (Olisa, et
al 1990) quoted in (Chukwuemeka et al., 2014). Appadorai (1975) defines
local government as government by popularly elected bodies' charges with
administration and executive duties in matters concerning the inhabitants of
a particular district or place. The International Encyclopaedia of social
sciences (1976), defines Local Government as "A political sub-division of
national or regional government which performs functions which nearly in
all cases receive its legal power from the national or regional government
but possess some degree of discretion on the making of decisions and which
normally has some taxing powers.
As noted in the works of Adeyemi (2012), Achimugu, Stephen & Agboni

(2013), Chukwuemeka et al., (2014), the Nigeria 1976 Guideline for Local
Government Reform defines local government as: Government at the local
level --- established by law to exercise specific powers within defined area
(and) to initiate and direct the provision of services and to determine and
implement projects so as to complement the activities of the state and federal
government in their areas, and to ensure that local initiative and response to
local needs and conditions are maximized.
The United Nations Office for Public Administration quoted in Ola and
Tonwe (2009), Ubani (2010), Achimugu, Stephen & Agboni (2013) defines
local government as thus: A political subdivision of a nation or (in a federal
system) state, which is constituted by law and has substantial control of local
affairs, including the powers to impose taxes or to exact labour for
prescribed purposes. The governing body of such as entity is elected or
otherwise locally selected.
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In addition, local government is seen as a system of government whereby the
state allows the establishment of local units of government with powers and
authority to make local decisions on matters that affect the local
communities and to mobilize local resources for implementation or
execution of the decisions made (Eboh & Diejomaoh, 2010).
The aforementioned definitions by various scholars above clearly show that

local government is a multi-dimnensional concept. However, The main
features of these definitions of local government are noted in the works of
Maddick (1963), Mawhood (1983), Tumini (2011), Ezeani (2012) and
Chukwuemeka et al.(2014), Otinche (2014). These features include the facts
that a local government:
1. Operates within a defined geographical area
2. Has certain population living within the confines of a defined territory
3. Operates at the local or grassroots level.
4. Has a range of constitutionally delineated functions to perform
5. Has a relative autonomy or independence.
6. It is a legal entity of its own and can sue and be sue.
7. Has its council composed of elected representatives.
8. It is the lower level government in a unitary political system and lowest

level government in a federal three-level government.
Thus, local government in Nigeria context is established as the third tier of

governance, protected by the constitution, which comprise of democratically
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elected representative whose purpose is to provide basic services to the
people at the grassroots (Adeyemi, 2013). In a federal system of government
like Nigeria, local government is usually the third tier of government. In a
unitary system, like Britain, it usually exists as the second order government
to the national level. However, what the local governments have in common,
either in federal or unitary systems of government, is responsibility for the
most immediate needs of their citizens without any other body between them
and the individual. In other words, it is the order of government closest to
the people (Chukwuemeka et al., 2014).
The Evolution and Nature of Local Government in Nigeria
Local government system has undergone three phases in Nigeria. These are:
pre-colonial, colonial and postcolonial phases. In the pre-colonial phase,
different traditional systems of government existed which were adequate to
satisfy the political needs of the different ethnic groups at that time (Okoli,
2000). These traditional political systems were considered as a form of local
government created by ethnic groups -Hausa/Fulani, Ibo, Yoruba, etc for the
provision of social services to meet the needs of the people within their
domains (Agba, Akwara, & Idu, 2013). The second phase was the
establishment of Native Authority by the colonial government. It was meant
to adapt to purposes of local government structures already present in the
institutions of the various ethnic groups. The Native Authority was charged
with the collection of taxes, maintenance of law and order, road construction
and maintenance, and sanitary inspection, especially in township areas
(Ukiwo, 2006; Agba, Akwara, & Idu, 2013; Eboh & Diejomaoh, 2010).
26
The third phase took effect from the Nigeria's independence of 1960. This
phase was characterized by a multi-tiered local government structure in the
Eastern and Western regions where both elected and traditional elements
were accommodated (Agagu, 2004; Ukiwo, 2006; Agba, Akwara, & Idu,
2013). At this period different states operated different systems of local
government. However, local government administration took a new
dimension in 1976 local government reforms initiated by the Obasanjo led
military government. The 1976 local government reforms introduced a
uniform system of local government administration throughout the country,
recognized local government as third tier of government and granted
financial and functional autonomy to local government administration in
Nigeria.
The reforms also introduced population criterion under which a local

government could be created. Consequently, a population of within 150,000
to 800,000 was considered feasible for a local government. This was done to
avoid the creation of non-viable local council and for easy accessibility.
There was provision for elective positions having the chairmen as executive
head of local government with supervisory councilors constituting the
cabinet (Eboh & Diejomaoh, 2010). The reform was a major departure from
the previous practice of local government administration in Nigeria
(Oviasuyi, Idada & Isiraojie, 2010). It formed the foundation of the present-
day local government system in Nigeria in terms of structure, composition,
functions, finance and democratic existence. Thus the reform equipped local
governments with political, administrative and fiscal capabilities for service
delivery to rural communities (Imuetinyan, 2002; Ukiwo, 2006; Oviasuyi,
Idada & Isiraojie, 2010). Subsequently, the main tenets of the 1976 reform
27
were incorporated in the 1979 Constitution and 301 local government areas
were listed in the Constitution (Eboh & Diejomaoh, 2010; Agba, Akwara, &
Idu, 2013). The Babangida military government increased the number of
local governments from 301 in 1976 to 453 in 1989, and 589 in 1991. The
Abacha regime also increased the number to 774 local government areas in
1996 (Ajayi, 2000) quoted in (Agba, Akwara, & Idu, 2013).
The 1976 local government reform was also modified and enshrined in the
1999 constitution of Nigeria. The 1999 constitution ensures that the local
government consolidates the tripartite system of government (made up of
executive, legislature and judiciary) at grassroots level (Eboh and
Diejomaoh, 2010). Executive powers are vested in the chairman, vice
chairman, supervisor or supervisory councilors, as well as the structure of
local government bureaucracy. The legislative functions are meant to be
performed by the councilors, who represent the wards which make up the
Local Government Area. The judiciary on the other hand, is streamlined
with the federal and state and the local government can avail itself of the
judicial process available to it (Eboh and Diejomaoh, 2010).
At present Nigeria is a federation comprising three tiers of government -the

federal government, 36 state governments, federal capital territory (FCT)
and 774 local governments (Eboh and Diejomaoh, 2010). As such, the local
government system in Nigeria operates within the "presidential model". The
Chairman of the local government area is directly elected by electorates in
the local government area, and governs in collaboration with the legislative
arm of the local government. Local council members are also elected from
single member wards (i.e. districts). The term of both the chairman and
council of the local government areas is currently three years, but varies
28
from state to state, depending on what has been legislated by the State House
of Assembly (Eboh and Diejomaoh, 2010).
Challenges To Effective Local Government Participation In Community

Development
Several obstacles combine to hinder the effective participation of local

government in community development. These factors include general
poverty, inadequate financial resources' the Nigeria factor, economic and
social inequality.
General poverty; the generality of the rural populace in Nigeria lives below
the poverty line and thus, lives in hunger and starvation. If the popular
dictum that "a hungry man is an angry man” is true, then such a man will be
impervious to all gospel of mobilization towards community development.
A man who can not feed himself, or better still not feed well, may lack the
capacity for rational thinking and can hardly perform his civic rights of
paying tax as well as effectively participate in decision making e.t.c.
Inadequate financial resources; most of the local governments in the Nigeria

are not financially buoyant to effectively participate in community
development programme. The joint state-local government account has not
helped matter as the latter is always at the caprice and whim of the former.
There is glaring evidence of undue state interference in the financial
resources of many local governments to the extent that the average local
council finds it difficult to meet its recurrent expenditure not to talk more of
executing capital projects.
29
The guideline for 1976 Local Government Reform noted that The above
condition makes it difficult not only to mobilize but for such mobilization
strategies like, payment of grants in aides, donation of trophies as well as
liberal cash prises to the the local government have, over the years, suffered
from the continuous whittling down of their powers. The state governments
have continued to encroach upon what would normally have been the
exclusive preserves of local governments. Lack of adequate fund and
appropriate institutions had continued to make local government ineffective
and ineffectual.
advancing and participating community or even to create awareness and

subsequently disseminate the information needed for community
development programme. Corruption and the Nigerian factor: the average
Nigerian is corrupt" [Achebe,C. The Trouble with Nigeria). And keeping an
average Nigerian from being corrupt is like keeping a goat from eating
yam." [Weekly Star, 15 may 1983]. The above statements though crude,
gave the true but astonishing reality of the Nigerian society. As a corollary
of general poverty, corruption in some public organization is seen as a
condition per-excellence and thus, the story of our public office is replete
with that of corruption. The irregular payment of workers salary has made
corruption to deputies the normal pay package. It is gradually becoming a
norm if not an ideology of most local government officials and thus, not an
open secret anymore. Local government in practice presently is nothing
short of a venture where the triadic personality or in the words of Dialoke,
Triangular officers" of the Chairman who is the chief executive as well as
the accounting officer of the local government, the Head of Personnel
Management saddled with the responsibility of administration and the
30
Treasurer who is in charge of the local government finance, all connive and
divert the council's allocation to their personal purrs. Infact, the monster has
eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation at large that there are reported cases
of examination malpractice among the primary and post primary school
children, while wide spread cases of certificates forgery rocks the so-called
National Assembly {our legislators}), and other public officers.
Again, the concept of Nigerian factor which permits the continuous

acceptance of anomalous administrative behaviour such as taking short cuts
or any means to achieve ones aim., bribery, mediocrity, inefficiency e.t .c
the implication is that anything goes under this condition and nothing works
well. The guiding philosophy here in the words of Machiavelli is that "the
end justifies the means". Therefore community development may remain a
mirage to the hearts and minds of the people under the above condition.
Inadequate use of Grassroots Institutions. Local organizations are a

necessary, if not a sufficient condition for accelerated development which
emphasizes improvement the productivity and welfare of the majority of the
rural people [Literature on Western Development, quoted in Olowu: 27]
Before the advent of Colonialism with its attendant social change, various
Nigerian communities have through self-help effort using such Grassroots
Institutions as the Age grade, the Umu-Adas, the Town Unions, the
Masquerade group [usually an enforcement agent), the Religious groups, etc,
to developed themselves. Grassroots Institutions are in no doubt a great
force to be reckoned with especially when harnessed well and channeled in
the right direction in the realization of community development objectives.
They possessed a quantum of both human, material and to an extent,
financial resources which yearns to be tapped and in the right direction for
31
optimum result. It therefore behooves on the practitioners to systematically
integrates and utilize these grassroots institutions as away of attaining
sustainable community development.
Economic Inequality: Economic inequality entails, unequal distribution or

access to the common wealth and thus leading to the emergence of "the have
and the have not or the rich and poor. The above condition makes
community development well-nigh difficult if not impossible. It is a
common knowledge that-the gap between the rich and the poor affects their
respective level of participation both in utterances and actions. There is
usually low participation from the poor group due largely to the low
financial strength and thus a constraint to effective community development.
Some Possibly Solutions to the Challenges
The challenges facing local government in community development process

are many and have led to the advancement of many solutions by other
experts in the field. Therefore, the under listed suggestions are not absolute
and sacrosanct.
a, Steady improved economic growth and developments through the

provision of rural infrastructure, other basic necessity of life and good
governance to enable the rural masses cope with the problem of poverty and
thus perform their civic obligation
b, Equitable distribution or re-distribution of common wealth through the

instrument of distributive and regulatory public policy
32
c. Provision of sufficient fund by the other two higher tiers to the local
government as well as the local government diversifying her revenue base
through taxation, levies and rates.
d. Attitudinal change through value re-orientation of both the leaders and the
led, especially with regards to government work, property and public life.
The current perception of government work and property as no mans
business must be discouraged at all cost and more drastic punishment should
be given to the offenders. The current anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC,
ICPC etc., are all moribund and like a toothless bulldog, they can only bark
but not bite. There is therefore the need for an overhauling of the system in
other to produce a functional and effective control mechanism.
e. Effective and efficient dissemination of information and the use of

propaganda to sensitize and arouse the interest of the rural masses in
community developments. Information is power and hus, vital in all human
dealings. Without effective information and subsequent dissemination, the
ruralites may not be aware of the benefits of community development. As
Olowu noted, "there is no limit to the sacrifices that people are willing to
make when they understand that they themselves would be the final
beneficiaries. Hence community unions and cooperative associations have
proved effective and successful again and again in raising the resources to
finance important projects where many are centrally-dominated local
governments have failed"[1988:21]
f. The use of grassroots institution :Effective use of grassroots institution is

one of the most viable solutions to the challenges of sustainable community
development. Such institutions like the town union, the age-grade, the
33
women's wing, the traditional rulers abroad unions, the philanthropic group
etc. are all grassroots institution that when effectively mobilize, can create
significant impact in the process of community development. The Dasuki
report equally emphasized on the importance of grassroots institutions in
community development. The local government should therefore, avail itself
the opportunity by harnessing the forces of these institution and guiding
them into a constructive positive channel for optimum result. The hitherto
failure and un sustainability of community development projects and
programmes in Nigeria is hardly unconnected with the top-down approach
which makes the target recipients, including the grassroots institutions more
of passive than active participant. It is therefore believed that the use of
grassroots institutions will not only makes the people active participants and
thus a feeling of partners in progress but equally enhances the sustainability
of community development projects and programmes.
The Rationale of 1976 Local Government Reforms
The Reforms as conceived in 1976 by Muritala/Obasanjo regime had the

following as its goals and objectives. (1) to make appropriate services and
development activities responsive to local wishes and initiatives by
devolving or delegating them to local representative bodies; (2) to facilitate
the exercise of democratic self-government close to the local levels of our
society and to encourage initiative and leadership potential; (3) to mobilize
human and material resources through the involvement of members of the
public in their local development; and (4) to provide a two-way channel of
34
communication between local communities and Government (both state and
federal).
The Gains of the Reform
With the benefit of hindsight, it is legitimate to stress that Nigerian local

governments have made some gains with regards to certain aspects of the
reforms. It is also right to state that most of these gains have been filtered
away by successive Nigerian administration. First let us start with the gains
of the reform. The reforms made it possible for various communities to
assess the country's resources which are enormous following the discovery
and prospecting of petroleum and its allied products in the Niger-Delta
region of Nigeria. The country was initially divided into 299,301,589 and
presently 774 local governments. Local governments now enjoy about
twenty per cent (20%) of the federation account. But to what extent has the
oil windfall, impacted the various communities and by extension the good
people of Nigeria? This is perhaps one of the main thrust of this paper and
we shall return to it later in the work.
The first noticeable gain of the reform was the recognition of local
governments beyond their regional or state level. It must be recalled that
hitherto local governments are being subjected to political and socio-
economic abuse of regional governments (between 1960 and 1966) and
military governors (between 1966 – 1976) before the reform was enacted.
By the reform of 1976, local governments have become a veritable vehicle
for socio-economic development of the state. In the bid to ensure the success
of the reform a whopping sum of one hundred million (A100 million) was
35
released in the 1976/77 financial year top all local governments in the
federation.
According to R.F. Ola 1984:90) this sum of N100 million was much when
compared with a grant of N1 million and A1.5 million made to each state of
the then existing twelve states in the federation between 1973/74 and
1974/75 fiscal years respectively for distribution to their local governments.
The economic fortune of local governments has since then witnessed
improvement on annual basis by 1977/78 a sum of N250 million in 1978/79
N300 million was allocated and in 1979/80 N278 million was earmarked.
In terms of the local governments serving as a bed-rock of the country's

democracy, there is abundant evidence that since the inception of the reform,
a number of elections had taken place in the local government out of which a
limited number of them were based on zero-zum party basis. In precise term,
only the 1976 and 1987 elections were based on non-partisan basis, and
between 1979/83, no election took place in local government.
In terms of political structure of the country, many believe that Nigerian

federation has been fashioned along three tier system of governance, namely
federal, state and local government. It is however, doubtful, if scholars on
federalism will accept local government as a tier of governance. By 1979
constitution local government was recognized as a permanent feature in
Nigeria federation; and as (Nwabueze, 1983) later lent credence to this
argument. It is apposite to state that the subsequent constitutions (1989 and
1999) conceded a third-tier level of governance to it. This again, raises two
fundamental questions as to the autonomy of local government units. The
protagonists of local government believe that to the extent that local
36
governments are creations of the constitution; and that since state
governments cannot add or delete from it, it could be said to have
constituted a third-tier level. The other level of argument is that the eight
schedule of (1999) constitution places local government squarely under the
state governments.
The constitution states inter alia: The system of local government by

democratically elected government councils is under this constitution
guaranteed, and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to
the section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a law which
provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions
of such councils (Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution 1999).
The Fourth schedule of the constitution in question confers certain functions

on the local governments in the federation as follows: (1) The main
functions of a local government council are as follows: (1) The consideration
and the making of recommendations to a state commission on economic
planning or any similar body on; (i) the economic development of the state,
particularly in so far as the areas of authority of the council and of the state
are affected; and (ii) proposal made by the said commission or body: (a)
Collection of rates, radio and television licenses; (b) Establishment and
maintenance of cemeteries burial grounds and home for the destitute or in
firm; (c) Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled
trucks) canoes, wheel barrows and carts; (d) Establishment, maintenance and
regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets motor parks and
public conveniences; (e) Construction and maintenance of roads, streets,
street lighting. drains and other public high ways parks, gardens, open
spaces, or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by
37
the House of Assembly of a State; (f) Naming of roads and streets and
numbering of houses; (g) Provision and maintenance of public conveniences
sewage and refuse disposal; (h) Registration of all births, deaths and
marriages; (i) Assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the
purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House Assembly
of a State; and (j) Control and regulation of: (k) out-door advertising and
hoarding: ) movement and keeping of pets of all description; (m) shops and
kiosks; (n) restaurants, bakeries and other places of sale of food to the
public: (o) Licensing, regulation and control of the sale of liquor.
(1) The functions of local government council shall include participation of

such council in the government of a state as respects the following matters:
(a) The provision and maintenance of primary adult and vocational
education; (b) The development of agriculture and natural resources, other
than the exploitation of mineral; (c) The provision and maintenance of health
services; and (d) Such other functions as may be conferred on a local
government council by the House of Assembly of the State (Ibid).
The summation of the above functions is such that the first part of the
functions are exclusive to local governments while the second set of
functions are the ones which the constitution expects state government to
perform with its local governments; otherwise known as concurrent
functions. At the international level, a good number of countries, such as
South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe etc have understudied Nigeria's
system of local government with a view to transplanting some of its gains
into their countries. The fact that the reform has withstood the test of time,
having endured for thirty-one years of Nigeria's forty-seven years of the
38
country's independence in itself a solid gain which must not be under
estimated.
Having discussed some of the gains of the reformed local government, it is

perhaps pertinent of this junction to ex-ray some of its observable flaws and
possibly proffer some solutions in order to meet the challenges of the 2lstm
century as the topic of this paper has indicated.
The Flaws or Loss of the Reforms
The first question we need to address our minds to when discussing the
Nigerian local government system is how local are local governments in
Nigeria? In terms of perception of localism, locality and provincialism,
Nigerian local governments are not necessarily or sufficiently local. A
system of governance that demands uniformity from a plural society such as
Nigeria with perhaps over 140 million population (2007 census figure) and
with over 15,000 ethnic nationalities cannot lay claim to such. In other
words, because the reform was largely conceived by a military government,
with its penchant for uniformity has denied the people of what would have
been derived if their diversity has been underscored from the conception of
the reform. After all, a local government should be local in every sense of it
i.e. in the modality of its operations. A local government that uses english
Language as its official language of transaction in a locality populated by
illiterates is a suspect.
This inevitably takes us to the demographic criterion for creating a local

government in 1976 reform. The reform recognized a total population of
39
between 150,000 and 800,000 as adequate for a local government, and it
went further to say a place with 100,000 populations could constitute a local
government in exceptional cases. It must be emphasized in the first place
that the demographic criterion has not taken into consideration the
compatibility of the people that will so constitute the local government.
Experiences over the years have shown that most of the communities with a
local government are strange bed fellows. Not only do they have the history
of mutual hostility and suspicion many of them are bitter enemies over
boundary disputes and traditional ascendancy. Other known variable that has
set them on war path with one another is the issue of relating to the sitting of
local government headquarters.
Indeed many communities see the sitting of local government headquarters

as an attempt by the central government to re-write the history of these
localities. Many have resisted with attendant loss of lives and properties.
The reform had also envisaged that by breaking the country into different
units, the much needed changes, transparency and accountability will be
galvanized by its local bureaucracy. It sad to note the monumental
corruption and perfidy which local government bureaucratic apparatus has
engendered in contemporary Nigeria. There is hardly anything to show for
the 20% of the federation account accruing to local government. Apparently
worried by this state of affairs, President Olusegun Obasanjo constituted a
technical committee chaired by Etsu Nupe, the Emir of Bida in Nigeria State
in June/July 2003. With the demise of its Chairman, the committee report
never saw the light of the day.
What is being infered is that the rural communities who are supposed to be
recipients of monetary allocation from the centre have nothing to show for it.
40
The direct beneficiaries are the local elite, the political class and members if
unified staff of Local Government at state level who constitute the upper
echelon of the local civil service. The reform rather than being a blessing to
Nigerian rural communities has been the other way round. The local
governments functionaries, apparently haunted by lack of accountability to
the citizenries of local governments have unilaterally cancelled poll-tax. For
democracy to be sustained (Jane Guyer 1994:2) urged that if must be built
on modus operandi on the foundation of revenue generation. It is such that
taxation breads representation or what is being refered to as the words of
(Corigan and Sayer 1985; Webb and Webb 1963) as a rate – payers
Democracy.
The local government officials deliberately insulated the grassroots from

paying poll-tax and other rates so as not to raise the level of their awareness
on the operation of local government. Without such awareness there is no
way the local officials can be held accountable. The local government
councillors who constitute the councils and are the accredited representatives
of the people are less bothered provided their pecuniary interests are met.
The case of local government can be likened to prebendalism as (Richard
Joseph 1981) has succinctly described the Nigeria state. Indeed (Akin L.
Mobogunje 1995) summed up the issue when his assets that corruption at
this (local) level of government has become proverbial and the venality of
the councillors a bye-word among the citizens. Nowhere in the country has
the local government system been an instrument either of good governance
or for participatory democracy of for economic progress. Hence in this way
the much vaunted democratic and leadership potentials which the authors of
local government reforms envisaged have thus been stultified by successive
41
local government leaderships. I must emphasis with all sense of
responsibility that the case of Nigerian local governments is an extension of
Nigeria state which has been various described as corrupt and inequitable by
scholars such as (Ikelegbe 2005, Willie Fawole 2003, Tale Omole 2007 etc).
If the original intention as said earlier, given the vituperious tendencies that
permeate every local government, the citizenries could not come together to
build social capital outside of the local government council. Social capital
here means the willingness of the people to survival without governmental
influences. Such an easily be discerned in their ability to raise funds to
provide social amenities, which they will build, supervise and maintain over
time. What is currently in vogue in the rural communities in Nigeria is the
tendency of every autonomous community with the connivance of their
children within or without to raise funds for the survival of each community,
(Dele Olowu 1993, Akin Mabogunje Ibid). It is a case of "every man for
himself and God for us all".
The operation of local government reforms has by lips and bounds,

concentrated power in the office of the Chairmen to Local Governments. It
is not unusual to see and hear the frequency of the phrase being used to
qualify the Chairmen as "Executive Chairmen". This phrase has really
intoxicated and rendered them largely irresponsible to the mass of the people
at the grassroots. The office of chairmen like state governors has a routine of
staff, so also is the office of their wives who are regarded as "First Ladies"
in their respective local governments. Indeed the office has constituted a
colossal waste on public funds without any visible achievement or gain over
the years, except for the conspicuous living of the chairmen, their immediate
family and vociferous supporters. The noble intention of authors of the 1976
42
local government reforms is to disperse power from the federal and state to
local units, then the ways and manners of the political office holders
(especially the office of chairmen) have operated in the last two decades,
have made nonsense of the noble intentions.
This prodigality on the part of executive chairmen across the country has
inevitably raised another contention. This contention is about the desirability
or otherwise of the presidential system especially at local government level,
given its expensiveness in terms of running cost. These have been several
complaints that after expending on its administration (of presidential system)
only very meager resources are available for capital development in the local
governments (Technical Report: 2003).
The state governments have been nothing but impediments towards the
development of the grassroots. They (state governments) have ostensibly
hijacked local government allocation from federation account in the name of
state-local joint accounts. This developments has no doubt, aggravated the
pauperization of local governments. With this arrangement in place no
meaningful developmental projects can take place in the rural areas where
they are most needed. Indeed the report of a committee on the activities of
local government (1984) summarizes the negative roles of state governments
thus: i) Diversion or misappropriation of statutory allocation from the
federally collected revenue; (ü) Non-payment of statutory allocations to
local government;
(iii) Appointment of incompetent and uncommitted people to Local

Government Management Committee; (iv) Transfer of functions to local
government without corresponding transfer of revenue accruing to them e.g.
43
primary education; (v) Taking away without consultation, some basic
functions of local government e.g. markets, motor parks etc thus reducing
the revenue base of local government; and (vi) Ministries of Local
Government which interpret their role vis-à-vis the local governments as
consisting of control and supervision rather than that of cooperation,
coordination and guidance.
As if all these are not enough the federal and statement governments are
known to have exercised too much control on local governments. These are
often in form of circulars, directives, regulation whose financial
consequences are to be borne by local governments. For instance, local
governments are funding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nigeria
Police, Customs, Immigration, National Population Commission etc. All
these are federal agencies whose zonal offices happen to be sited within their
(local governments) area of jurisdiction. The problem is that most of these
extra-budgetary expenditures have little or no bearing on the locality, of
little priority in their rating and in most cases are not reflected in the annual
budget. The office of the "First Lady" was known in the past to have
siphoned huge amount of local government funds to service pet projects.
As already discussed, state governments are known to have taken a large

chunk of local governments monies in paying Secondary School Teachers
Salaries. The local governments functionaries seem to have been influenced
by this financial profligacy as cases of financial indiscipline are rampant at
local government level. Financial extravagance of local governments are
easily discern in inflated contracts, conspicuous life-styles of it actors,
reckless expenditure on awards of chieftaincy titles, donations to
uncharitable organizations and groups and execution of frivolous projects
44
with little or no impact on the lives of the inhabitants. Having highlighted
the weaknesses of the local government system as practiced in Nigeria, the
rest of this work shall be devoted to ways and means of ameliorating the
already deplorable situation.
Historical Background Of Local Government Administration In Nigeria
In the 1980s, election was introduced according to the British model in the
western and eastern part of the country with some measure of autonomy in
personnel, financial and general administration. It was on this promises that
the rising tide of progress, growth and development experienced in the local
government in these areas was based.
In summary, it can be said that no public institution in Nigeria has been so

subjected to frequent change than the local government nearly every
successive administration introduces one administrative change or the other.
Apart from the celebrated 1976 reforms, a state government official was
reduced to two tiers and so on. In essence, it has become almost fashionable
in Nigeria has not been stable and this leaves future to remain uncertain and
insecure.
Problems Of Local Government
In Nigeria, despite the justification for the establishment of local government

and it’s inevitable importance to the people at the grassroot level, this tier
of government seems not to have justified the reasons for which it was
45
established the problems of local government are multifaines in nature and it
is the concern of this paper to explain them in details they are:
1. Finance: despite the increase in the total amount available to local

government in Nigeria since early 1990;s, it economic and financial
profile is still poor, relative to the development programmes. It is
expected to carryout the situation unconnected to the management and
embezzlement of these rural by the local council.
2. Inadequacy of skilled workers: it is safe for some few local councils in

Lagos state and perhaps some southern sates. Local government
generally has experienced and is still experiencing death of skilled,
technical and professional staffs like qualified engineers (of all type),
medical doctors, accountants, statisticians, economist, lawyers, town
planners to mention a few. The facilitating factors for this includes:
i. Low image of local government in the mind of professionals

who feel and think that there is no job satisfaction, sufficient
to keep them at low level of public service.
ii. Hopeless nature of the job attributes to and arising from low
or no incentives for junior workers, no chances for creativity
and innovation as well as perpetual delaying payment of
salary.
iii. Recently and more importantly, Threat and fear of

retrenchment of junior workers has derailed their
psychological balance and affect their efficiency, and output.
This is fashionable in some states where series of staff and it
46
were being carved out just for the purpose of down sizing to
reduce wage bill as a result of the demand and payments of
fifteen percent increase in salary.
iv. Manner of recruitment is questionable as it is based on

subjectivity and consideration of sentiments. Employment
was based on favourism, nepotism, ethnic and political
consideration and other primordial factors that replaced and
displaced competence, qualification, experience and
performance
3. Problems of participation and involvement
For the past decades, more euphemistic phrase has since been employed to
justify people’s participation at the grassroots. They includes: “Development
from below: “Bottom –up Approach to Development”, “Popular
participation”, “B ringing Government closer to the people” and other phrase
to argue for people’s involvement to the people” and other phrase to argue
for people’s involvement in the affairs that directly affects them. From all
indications and convictions, research and physical observation have shown
that there has been more cry than action. Local government prepares
estimates for it’s revenue and expenditure without proper resources and due
constitution with the people for whom they exercise is being carried out –to
know their needs, problems and potentials. A number of factors are
responsible for non-involvement of people in their own affairs. They
include:
1. loss of interest in the project that will not benefit the chairman and
their Ghost
47
2. the age-long benefit by the officials that people are ignorant, illiterate
and unenlightened
3. Lack of prolifical will by the leadership to run an open administration

due to selfish interest.
4. Poverty of social-political philosophy for change.
4. Misplaced priority: Hard –earned and limited resources occurred to

and raised by local government are resources occurred to and raised by
local government are always mismanaged. Priorities are misplace;
projects are done not according to or as demanded by the people but
regrettably in time with the selfish end and aggrandizement of the
polificial leadership in government level of administration.
Coupled with this is the greatest bane of development in the Nigerian

public service in general and local government in particular which
corrupts reports to public the panel at the three tiers of government have
revealed the culpability of civil servants. Corruption in low and high
places has been rampant among the senior civil bureaucracy to whom
the3 public funds meant for development purpose are entrusted.
Generally, a wide-scale embezzlement official at the grassroots has

made the needed development a tall dream and has rendered them
financially incapable to discharge their constitutional assigned
responsibilities.
5. General indiscipline: indiscipline is rampantly perceived and well

pronounced among the workers in third tier of government. The senior
officer who travel to their families away from their office on Friday and
48
return very late the following Monday or may decide to stay back till
Tuesday and the junior members of staff who directing or indirectly has
become a ruler rather than an exception.
Offices have been fumed to market places where officers hawk their
goods freely. The rules that guide moral conduct and professional ethics
seem to have atworst become cobweb that is so week to tame the monstrous
activities of the workers. These has been also indiscriminate justify desires
which are being noticed among the workers.
6. Undue interference
The degree of external influence and intrusion in local government

affairs by the higher level of government is horisome and needs evaluation.
Situation where the state governor unconstaitutionally dissolves the entire
elited council officers without proper investigation on spurious allegations is
not good for the fixture of local government administration in the country.
Such external interferences indeed subvert democratic process and
undermine constitutional authority at the grassroot level.
The major changes that local government faces is the political control
the respective state governor has on the local government chairmen. This is a
result of the fact that state governor’s sponsors election of most if not all of
the chairmen. They are hand picked by the state governor rather than being
elected. It is a clear case of who pays the piper dictates the tune. This again
creates a problem diversion of local government funds for personal use of
state governor
49
This undue interference has incapacified local government from
effective functioning, on the other and alienated grassroots people from
enjoying social service delivery expected of local government on the other.
7. Frequent changes in local government administration
The frequent changes in Orlu local government has led to the

abandonment of development policies and new ones initiated instead. It is
important to note that these unrealized projects were started with millions of
naira which are not recovered at the time of discontinuity. This infact, has
it’s for-reaching implications economically, socially and polificially
2.3.2 Empirical Review

Schlachter, Coleman, and Anway, (2013) demonstrated the inherent
challenges associated with running Local administration in Britain and by
implication with developed economies. These include managing budgetary
demands in the face of revenue decreases and increased service demands,
costs of unfunded state and federal mandates as well as meeting the demands
of infrastructure and its associated costs. However, the responses to these
challenges in each system to a large extent determine the effectiveness of the
systems in service delivery.
Chukwuemeka et al.(2014), Otinche (2014), Ezeani (2012) Tumini (2011) as
well as Whalen (1970) note that LG has the following characteristics
including a given territory and population, an institutional structure. it is
separate legal identity, has a range of powers and functions authorized by
delegation from the appropriate central or intermediate legislature. lastly
within the ambit of such delegation, autonomy is accorded within its sphere
50
of jurisdiction and competence. In another sense, the Guideline for Local
Government Reform (1976:1) in Nigeria goes beyond definition to present
local government as: Government at local level exercised through
representative councils established by law to exercise specific powers
defined areas. These powers should give the council substantial control over
local affairs as well as the staff and institutional and financial power to
initiate and direct the provision of services and to determine and implement
projects so as to complement the activities of the state and federal
government in their areas, and to ensure, through devolution of functions to
these councils and through the active participation of the people and their
traditional institutes, that local initiative and responses to local head and
conditions are maximized.
Opalo (2015) in effect demonstrated how the 2010 Kenya Constitution
provided for devolution of power leading to the creation of forty-seven sub-
national units (counties) with elected assemblies and executives. As a further
step to put an end to over centralized governmental system, the Constitution
provided that the counties enjoy fiscal allocations of 15 per cent of audited
ordinary revenue distributed on the basis of population and poverty level.
However, the French example as embraced by Franco-Phone nations in
Africa is that of integrated prefectural system before 1981 and unintegrated
prefectural system thereafter that fits into deconcentration arrangement
(Adamalekun, 2005). The distinctive feature of deconcentration arrangement
is that the officials to whom responsibilities and resources are transferred
operate under the superior authority of the central government.
2.3.3 Research Gap
51
The research gap for this study lies in the lack of comprehensive analysis
and empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of development projects
executed by the Orlu government in enhancing community development.
Additionally, there is limited exploration into the adequacy and regularity of
constitutionally approved revenue sources for funding these projects, as well
as a dearth of studies examining the extent of corruption within Orlu L.G.A,
thus highlighting the need for further investigation and empirical data to
address these gaps.
52
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
The research design adopted in this study is the survey design which
involves the following design: personal, interview questionnaire and
observation. This type of design is used by the researcher to ascertain the
problems of local Government Administration in Orlu local government
area, and to deal properly with problems in order to find the possible
solution to those problem. In a nutshell, research design take about
techniques adopted in the process of the researcher in order to carryout the
research successfully.
3.2 Method Of Data Collection
The data for the study were gathered from both the management and staff of
Orlu local Government through the use of questionnaires.
3.3 Methods Of Data Analysis
Simple percentage method was used often when the questionnaire has been
distributed – this method was used following the difficulties encountered
from some selected communities in Orlu. This method enable the research
work in ascertaining the problems of local government administration.
3.4. Population of the Study
The population of study comprises both the senior and the junior staff of the
local government (Orlu) as the citizens of Orlu local government.
53
3.5 Sampling Techniques
Sampling as a concept is fundamental to the successful conduct of research

and also the interpretation of results. Random sampling procedure was used
in arriving at the size. This is because it connects all levels of management
from which data is collected to avoid bias response. The reason for the
selection was to enable the organization in respect to the subject matters.
Sample random sampling techniques is also used in which are out of every
person in the population is being selected.
3.6 Sample Size
The Sample size of the research study is 200 which constitute the total
number of staff in the local government at Umuna
3.7. Validity And Reliability Of Instrument
Here, a combination of different types of question were asked with the

provision of different types of questions were asked with the provision of
two option space, multiple choice questions which gives the respondent the
chance to chose from a range of which gives the respondent the chance to
choose from a range of options open ended question with flexible characters
which gives respondents the chance to express their own option.
3.8 Area of study
Problems of Local Government Administration in Orlu Local Government

Area (LGA), Nigeria
3.9 Limitations Of The Study
54
The limitations of the research work contains constraints encountered during
the duration of this project. Some of the restraints experienced are given
below:
1. time: this was a major constraints on the work research needed

attention was not given to the work due to academic work that faced
the researcher being an ND finalist
2. Finance: owing to the financial difficulty prevalent in the country and

its resultants increase in the prices of commodities, transportation
fare, research materials etc.
3. Information constraints: Generally, Nigeria researchers have never

had it easy when it comes to obtaining necessary information related
to their field of study.
55
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Presentation Of Data
The researcher administered two hundred questionnaires in all during the

research work. Out of the number given, only hundred and sixty (160) were
duly completed and returned while fourty (40) were not returned and their
responses noted which greatly formed part of the analysis.
4.2 Analysis Of Data
The data collected from the questionnaire distributed was analyzed using
sample percentage. It was administered to some workers of Orlu local
government and the direction served as the interview guide.
Table 4.1
Question 1: There is high level of transparency and accountability in the

financial management of Orlu LGA?
Table 4.1 Transparency and accountability in financial management
Item No of respondent Percentage
Strongly Agree 4 2.5%
Agree 10 6.25%
56
Disagree 80 50%
Strongly disagree 66 41.25%
Total 160 100%
Field Survey 2024
Strongly Agree and Agree (Total: 8.75%): Only a small minority (8.75%) of
respondents believe there is a high level of transparency and accountability
in the financial management of Orlu LGA. This indicates that there is not
widespread confidence in the financial management practices of the LGA
among the respondents.
Disagree and Strongly Disagree (Total: 91.25%): The majority (91.25%) of

respondents either disagree or strongly disagree with the statement. This
suggests a significant lack of trust or dissatisfaction with the transparency
and accountability in the financial management of Orlu LGA among the
respondents.
Overall, the data indicates a prevalent perception among the respondents that
there is a low level of transparency and accountability in the financial
management of Orlu LGA. This could have implications for public trust,
governance, and potentially require further investigation or action to address
the concerns raised by the respondents.
57
Question 2: there are no challenges faced by residents in accessing basic
amenities such as water, electricity, and healthcare services in Orlu LGA?
Table 4.2 Residents and challenges to basic Amenities
Agree 6 3.75%
Disagree 90 56.25%
Total 160 100%
Field Survey 2024
respondents believe that there are no challenges faced by residents in
accessing basic amenities in Orlu LGA. This indicates that a very small
portion of respondents perceive the situation positively.

suggests that there are significant challenges faced by residents in accessing
58
basic amenities such as water, electricity, and healthcare services in Orlu
LGA, according to the respondents.
Overall, the data indicates a prevalent perception among the respondents that
there are indeed challenges faced by residents in accessing basic amenities in
Orlu LGA. This underscores potential issues with infrastructure, service
delivery, and quality of life, which may require attention and intervention
from relevant authorities.
Question 3: Do you believe that political interference affects the efficiency

and effectiveness of local government administration in Orlu LGA?
Table 4.3: Political interference and Orlu L.G.A efficiency and

effectiveness
Strongly Agree 40 25%
Agree 85 53.125%
Disagree 25 15.625%
Total 160 100%
59
Field Survey 2024
Strongly Agree and Agree (Total: 78.125%): The majority (78.125%) of

respondents believe that political interference affects the efficiency and
effectiveness of local government administration in Orlu LGA. This
suggests a widespread perception among the respondents that political
interference hampers the smooth functioning of local governance in the area.
Disagree and Strongly Disagree (Total: 21.875%): A minority (21.875%) of

indicates that there is a smaller portion of respondents who do not believe
that political interference significantly impacts the efficiency and
effectiveness of local government administration in Orlu LGA.
Overall, the data reflects a prevailing sentiment among the respondents that
political interference does indeed affect the efficiency and effectiveness of
local government administration in Orlu LGA. This perception could point
to challenges related to governance, autonomy, and decision-making
processes within the local government structure.
Question 4: There are factors hindering the implementation of development

projects and programs in Orlu LGA?
Table 4.4: Hindrances to developmental projects
60
Agree 60 37.5%
Disagree 38 23.75%
Total 160 100%
Field Survey 2024
Strongly Agree and Agree (Total: 75%): A significant majority (75%) of

respondents believe that there are factors hindering the implementation of
development projects and programs in Orlu LGA. This indicates a
widespread perception among the respondents that obstacles exist in the
execution of development initiatives in the area.
Disagree and Strongly Disagree (Total: 25%): A minority (25%) of

suggests that there is a smaller portion of respondents who do not perceive
factors hindering the implementation of development projects and programs
in Orlu LGA.
Overall, the data underscores a prevailing sentiment among the respondents

that there are indeed factors impeding the implementation of development
projects and programs in Orlu LGA. This perception could point to various
challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, funding constraints, or lack of
61
stakeholder coordination, which may need to be addressed to facilitate
smoother project execution and enhance developmental outcomes in the
region.
Question 5: There is high level of citizen participation and engagement in

decision-making processes at the local government level in Orlu LGA?
Table 4.5 Citizen participation in decision making
Strongly Agree 8 5%
Agree 4 2.5%
Disagree 100 62.5%
Strongly disagree 48 30%
Total 160 100%
Field Survey 2024
respondents believe that there is a high level of citizen participation and
engagement in decision-making processes at the local government level in
62
Orlu LGA. This indicates a lack of perceived citizen involvement in
decision-making.

suggests that there is a widespread perception among the respondents that
citizen participation and engagement in decision-making processes at the
local government level in Orlu LGA are low.
Overall, the data highlights a prevailing sentiment among the respondents

that there is insufficient citizen participation and engagement in decision-
making processes at the local government level in Orlu LGA. This
perception could signal a need for greater efforts to involve and empower
citizens in governance processes to enhance accountability, transparency,
and responsiveness at the local level.
4.3 Discussion of Findings
The study aimed to investigate the perceived problems of local government

administration in Nigeria, focusing on Orlu Local Government Area (LGA).
Through survey responses, several key findings emerged regarding various
aspects of governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement within the
local government.
Transparency and Accountability in Financial Management: Respondents

overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency and
accountability in the financial management of Orlu LGA. A vast majority
disagreed or strongly disagreed with the notion that financial processes were
63
transparent, suggesting a widespread perception of opacity or
mismanagement within the local government's financial affairs. This
indicates a significant gap between the expected standards of governance
and the reality experienced by residents.
Access to Basic Amenities: The majority of respondents disagreed or

strongly disagreed with the assertion that residents face no challenges in
accessing basic amenities such as water, electricity, and healthcare services.
This underscores widespread concerns about the adequacy and reliability of
essential services in Orlu LGA. It implies that infrastructure and service
delivery remain significant issues requiring attention and improvement to
enhance the quality of life for residents.
Political Interference: A significant proportion of respondents agreed or

strongly agreed that political interference affects the efficiency and
effectiveness of local government administration in Orlu LGA. This finding
highlights concerns about external influences impeding the autonomy and
efficacy of local governance structures. Political interference may hinder
decision-making processes, undermine accountability, and contribute to
inefficiencies in service delivery.
Implementation of Development Projects: A substantial majority of

respondents perceived factors hindering the implementation of development
projects and programs in Orlu LGA. This suggests that obstacles such as
bureaucratic hurdles, funding constraints, or lack of stakeholder coordination
pose significant challenges to the execution of developmental initiatives.
Addressing these barriers is crucial for realizing the intended socio-
64
economic benefits of planned projects and programs within the local
government area.
Citizen Participation and Engagement: The study revealed a prevalent

perception among respondents that there is a low level of citizen
participation and engagement in decision-making processes at the local
government level in Orlu LGA. This indicates a perceived lack of
inclusivity, responsiveness, and democratic governance within the local
government structures. Enhancing citizen participation is essential for
promoting transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in governance
practices.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
This study investigated the challenges facing local government

administration in Nigeria, with a focus on Orlu Local Government Area
(LGA). Through a survey of residents, the study aimed to identify key issues
related to governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement within the
local government. Three objectives were formulated for this study, they
include: To determine the level of development in communities from the
execution of development project by Orlu government. To ascertain the
level of regularity and adequacy of all constitutionally approve revenue
source and their capability in execution of development project Orlu local
government communities. To determine the level of corruption in Orlu
65
L.G.A. In line with these objectives, Three research hypotheses were
formulated and Three null hypotheses were posited.
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as

follows Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the
(overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem,
objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope
and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of
the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the
study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on
the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four
concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the
study.
5.2 Conclusion
This paper examined the historical background of local government as well

as the challenges it faces. While evaluating the problems of local councils in
Nigeria, emphasis was placed on general indiscipline among the workers and
high level of corruption in this level of government among other things.
The paper argues however that the creation of level government in most was
not based on viability and development purposes are required by the
constitution but on administrative convenience, connections and contracts to
score cheap political goals to achieve legitimacy and enhance regime
66
sustenance especially by the military rulers since most if not all of these
creation were done by the military.
The result effect of this is that some of the local government end up in
financial crisis and are unable to face the challenges of service delivery and
mobilization of development of the local government areas. In some part of
the country, local government, are considered as avenue for sharing point for
some, which for others, it’s a private property. As a consequence therefore
under developments continue to wage on as people are either ignorant of or
indifferent to the rseasons for which local, governments are created.
Also worrisome is the under interference from other two levels of

government. This essentially makes this level of government to have crisis
of recognition and autonomy problems. The question here are: is local
government truly third tier of government or a ministry under it’s respective
state government while we know that the basic rationale behind the creation
of local government is to meet the peculiar needs of the people at the
grassroots, it is however pathetic to note that local government has
demosnstarted incompetence in this regard it is therefore desirable to suggest
ways through which local government could come out from this ineritia and
stagnation.
5.3 Recommendation
The findings of this study have several implications for local government
administration in Orlu LGA and Nigeria as a whole. Addressing the
identified challenges requires concerted efforts from government authorities,
civil society organizations, and community stakeholders. Key
recommendations based on the study findings include:
67
Enhancing Financial Transparency: Local government authorities should
prioritize efforts to improve transparency and accountability in financial
management processes. This could involve implementing robust financial
reporting mechanisms, engaging with citizens through budgetary
consultations, and strengthening oversight mechanisms.
Improving Service Delivery: Efforts should be made to address the

challenges hindering access to basic amenities in Orlu LGA. This may
involve investments in infrastructure development, capacity building for
service providers, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to
ensure the reliable delivery of essential services.
Mitigating Political Interference: Measures should be taken to safeguard the

autonomy and independence of local government administration from undue
political influence. This could include enacting legislation to protect the
integrity of decision-making processes, fostering a culture of
professionalism and meritocracy, and promoting dialogue between political
actors and local communities.
Overcoming Implementation Barriers: Local government authorities should

identify and address the factors impeding the implementation of
development projects and programs. This may require streamlining
bureaucratic procedures, mobilizing resources effectively, and fostering
collaboration with relevant stakeholders to facilitate project execution and
achieve desired outcomes.
Promoting Citizen Engagement: Efforts should be made to promote

meaningful citizen participation and engagement in local governance
processes. This could involve initiatives such as town hall meetings, citizen
68
advisory committees, and public awareness campaigns to empower
residents, solicit their input, and foster a sense of ownership in decision-
making processes.
In conclusion, addressing the identified problems of local government

administration in Orlu LGA and Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach
that encompasses institutional reforms, capacity building, and community
empowerment initiatives. By implementing the recommendations outlined in
this study, local government authorities can work towards enhancing
governance effectiveness, improving service delivery, and fostering
inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of all residents.
69
Reference
Adebayo .A. (1980) Principles and practices of Administration in Nigeria,

Ibadan spectrum Books Limited.
Ajayi.K.(2002) theory and practice of local government Administration,

Ado Ekiti, UN, AD. Printing Press.
Lawal S. (2000) local government Administration in Nigeria: A practical

Approach longman plc
Nworji L.O (2003) Government and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Owerri

Global press limited.
Ogunwa A.E.C (1996) A hand book of local government in Nigeria Owerri

versatal publisher limited
Ediogu E.I. (1991) “starting and training in local government” unpublished

seminar paper CMPA ABSU)
Nwachukwu C.B.N “Local Government Administration In Nigeria”

unpublished lecture note CMPA Class ABSU
Tinubu (2001) why local Government reform committee won’t work in

Lagos. The sun Newspaper December 25th 2001.
Adebayo .A. (1980) Principles and practices of Administration in Nigeria,

Ibadan spectrum Books Limited .
Ajayi.K.(2002) theory and practice of local government Administration, Ado

Ekiti, UN, AD. Printing Press.
70
Lawal S. (2000) local government Administration in Nigeria: A practical
Approach longman plc
Nworji L.O (2003) Government and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Owerri

Global press limited.
Ogunwa A.E.C (1996) A hand book of local government in Nigeria Owerri

versatal publisher limited
Ediogu E.I. (1991) “starting and training in local government” unpublished

seminar paper CMPA ABSU)
Nwachukwu C.B.N “Local Government Administration In Nigeria”

unpublished lecture note CMPA Class ABSU
71
Appendix
QUESTIONNAIRE
INSTRUCTION
Please tick or fill in where necessary as the case may be.
Section A
(1) Gender of respondent
A male { }
B female { }
(2) Age distribution of respondents
a) 18-20 { }
b) 21-30 { }
c) 31-40 { }
d) 41-50 { }
e) 51 and above { }
(3) Marital status of respondents?
(a) married [ ]
(b) single [ ]
(c)divorce [ ]
(4) Educational qualification off respondents
(a) SSCE/OND { }
(b) HND/BSC { }
(c) PGD/MSC { }
72
(d) PHD { }
Others……………………………….
SECTION B
There is high level of transparency and accountability in the financial

management of Orlu LGA?
(a) Agrees { }
(b) Strongly agree { }
(c) Disagreed { }
(d) Strongly disagree { }
there are no challenges faced by residents in accessing basic amenities such

as water, electricity, and healthcare services in Orlu LGA?
(a) Agrees { }
(c) Disagree { }
do you believe that political interference affects the efficiency and

effectiveness of local government administration in Orlu LGA?
(a) Agree { }
73
(c) Disagree { }
There are factors hindering the implementation of development projects and

programs in Orlu LGA?
(a) Agree { }
(c) Disagree { }
there is high level of citizen participation and engagement in decision-

making processes at the local government level in Orlu LGA?
(a) Agree { }
(c) Disagree { }
74
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PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA: A

CASE STUDY OF ORLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

OSUOHA EMMANUEL CHUKWUEMEKA

LGCs Local Government Councils

LGA Local Government Administration

NYSC National Youth Service Corps

ICPC Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences

EFCC Economic Financial Crimes Commission

FCT Federal Capital Territory

This project dealt with /on the problems of local government

1.1 Background To The Study

Local government administration in Nigeria has been in existence since

In Nigeria, social-political context with multiplicity of culture, diversity of

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

The problems of local government administration have been a bane to

1.3 Research Question

1. What is the impact of development projects executed by the Orlu

1.4 Objectives Of The Study

The researcher work is strutted to achieve the following objectives.

1. To determine the level of development in communities from the

2. To ascertain the level of regularity and adequacy of all

3. To determine the level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant difference in the level of development in

H1: There is a significant difference in the level of development in

H1: There is a significant relationship between the regularity and adequacy

H0: There is no significant level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A

H1: There is no significant level of corruption in Orlu L.G.A

1.6 Significance Of The Study

This study will be important to researchers, policy makers and

1.7 Operationalization of concepts

2. Local Government Administration: this is an administration, at the

4. Government: government is a body of persons expected to carryout

1.7 Scope Of The Study

The scope of this is limited to the problems of local government

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Theoretical Framework

The Efficiency Services Theory

Relevance of Efficiency Services Theory to the Nigerian Local

2.2 Justification of theory

The Efficiency Services Theory serves as a pertinent framework for

As highlighted by Adamolekun (2009), local government councils in

In light of these challenges, the Efficiency Services Theory provides a

In conclusion, the application of the Efficiency Services Theory in the study

2.3 Literature Review

2.3.1 Conceptual Review

The conceptualization of the term local government" has been problematic;

Specifically, local government is a unit of government below the central,

As noted in the works of Adeyemi (2012), Achimugu, Stephen & Agboni

The aforementioned definitions by various scholars above clearly show that

1. Operates within a defined geographical area

2. Has certain population living within the confines of a defined territory

3. Operates at the local or grassroots level.

4. Has a range of constitutionally delineated functions to perform

5. Has a relative autonomy or independence.

6. It is a legal entity of its own and can sue and be sue.

7. Has its council composed of elected representatives.

8. It is the lower level government in a unitary political system and lowest

Thus, local government in Nigeria context is established as the third tier of