Effect of Local Government Administration on Rural Development in Nigeria. (a Case Study of Nkanu – East Local Government Enugu State).
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain whether Nkanu East local government has contributed substantially to rural development.
- To find out if inadequacy of skilled workers (like qualified engineers all types, medical doctors, etc) affect the ability of Nkanu East local government council in carrying out rural development programme.
- To verify whether inadequate financing by both state and federal governments hinders the council in carrying out developmental programmes.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government constitutes the most critical level of government at which the momentum to sustain national development can be created. To some countries in the third world. It is the only semblance of authority known beyond the tradition. (Bello, 2007). As from the 1970s, the national leaders all over the world and even their followers started to change their erstwhile attitude towards local government for a more positive appreciation of the role of the level of government. Consequently, they started to think of more functions, more finance and more qualified manpower for the level of government. This re-awakening vis-à-vis the pivotal role of local government gained prominence in Nigeria as from 1976 nationwide local government reforms. The reforms recognized the level of government as distinct tier of government. (Bello, 2007).
The United Nations Division of Public Administration 1976 defines local government as a political sub division of a nation (or in a federal system, a state) which is constituted by law and has substantial control of local affairs including the power to impose taxes or exert labour for presented purposes. The government body of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected (Enemuo, 1999).
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from Nkanu East local government, Enugu State in order to determine the effect of local government administration on rural development in Nigeria. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected indigenes of Nkanu East local government, Enugu State
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
As mentioned in chapter three, 75 questionnaires were administered and 50 were retrieved and necessary analysis was carried out on them and presented as follows:
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain effect of local government administration on rural development in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of local government administration on rural development in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on effect of local government administration on rural development in Nigeria in Nkanu East local government in Enugu State. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain whether Nkanu East local government has contributed substantially to rural development, to find out if inadequacy of skilled workers (like qualified engineers all types, medical doctors, etc) affect the ability of Nkanu East local government council in carrying out rural development programme and to verify whether inadequate financing by both state and federal governments hinders the council in carrying out developmental programmes. The total population for the study is 75 indigenes of Nkanu East local government of Enugu state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
The research is based on the summary of findings above, it was discovered that’ in the light of development with references to the provision of good roads, electricity, health facilities, pipe borne water, schools etc. It is discovered that Local Government in Nigeria have failed to provide basic needs to the local people.
Therefore, based the findings it is believed that the officials of local governments will take serious steps to provide the basic amenities to the people at the grass root for the betterment of the whole country. The objective for the creation of the local government area seems not to have achieved its goal due to the irresponsive activities of the successive administrations in the area council.
Recommendation
- Development in rural areas should be viewed as a totality of activities ranging from rural mobilization to political education.
- Local government officials should be compulsorily made to undergo series of training and re-training in order to enhance their productivity.
- A sincere functional rural development programme should be established to engage the rural dwellers in economic activities that will facilitate their financial status as a remedy to the prevalence of poverty in the rural areas.
- Mass literacy campaign should be organized more often to enable the rural dwellers know how to read and write that will help them to understand the policies and programmes of government.
References
- Abubakar, A. Y. (1980). The role of local government in social, political and economic development in Nigeria (1976-1979), Zaria Department of Local Government Studies, Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
- Adamolekun, L. (1983). Public administration: A Nigerian and comparative perspective. New York Longman Inc.
- Adamolekun, L. et al. (1988). Local government in West Africa since independence, Lagos University Press.
- Adedeji, A. (2000). Renewal of the search for systems of local government that can serve the common good in Adedeji, A. na d Ayo, B. (ed) people centered democracy in Nigeria. Ibadan, Heinemann Educational Books (Nig.) Plc.
- Aliyu, A. Y. & Kohen, P. M. (1982). Local autonomy and inter-governmental relations in Nigeria Zaria Department of local Government Studies. Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University.
- Clem, O. M. (Editor) (1988). Catalyst for L.G.A. in Nigerian Publisher LSGC. Plateau State.
- Adeyemo, D. O. (2005). Local government autonomy in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective. Department of Local Government, Faculty of Adminstration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Dapun, T. et al. (2004). Local government administration, the Nigerian perspective.
- David, J. & McMarthy, J. R. (1980). Local government law, St Paul Min Publishing.
