Roles of Local Government in the Development of the District Moyamba District as a Case Study
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To identify, categorize, and define the diverse roles that local governments undertake in fostering development in Moyamba District
- To intends to investigate the strategies and mechanisms employed by local governments to fulfill their development-oriented roles in Moyamba District
- To highlight the challenges and limitations that local governments encounter in their pursuit of development objectives.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Historical Development of Local Government Administration in Nigeria
Before the advent of British colonial administration in Nigeria, each town or village had its own system of local Government. In the North, an autocratic emirate system was divided into districts and villages. In the West, the oba was the leader assisted by the council of chief (oyomesi) which was headed by the Beshorun. There was an organized army to protect the area from external aggressions. The system looked like what was operated in the North, however the west had semi centralized system because, the obas decision was subject to approval of the oyomesi council. In the East, local government administration was carried out at village and family levels. Denga (2003: 19) observed that, there was a pre-colonial village or local administration particularly in the East that was characterized by the same practices being observed today in modern local government, example democratic principles and elements of participative governance, as demonstrated by decisions taken by village assembly. During colonial period, the colonial administration quickly recognized the importance of local participation as a base for grass root democracy, and henceforth introduced the indirect rule system so as to involve the inhabitants in the administration of their areas. The Native Authority system of Local Government Administration was introduced shortly after consolidating and properly planting the in direct rule system. The Native authority system was introduced via the native ordinance of 1916. The Native authority system actually reinforced the powers and position of the traditional rulers. During independence, the geo – political regions in what is called Nigeria operated different systems of local government Administration. The North continued with the extensive centralization of council powers. A system that gives the traditional institution absolute powers. The west introduced council manager system which emphasized the dichotomy between politics and administration. That is, the difference between policy makers and implementers. It was an element of participatory governance, because the people elect their council to take decisions on governance of their local areas. The East introduced development Administration system because of the physical damage caused as a result of the civil war, to help develop the area.
Local Government
Local government (as a body of knowledge and as practice) is encapsulated in a web like all other sub-discipline in the social sciences. There are divergent views on the subject as there are many authors. Local government in the communal sense means people’s political instrument to participate in resource allocation, distribution and power acquisition. An indepth analysis of this definition service delivery and resource mobilization. Political participation concerns the desire to involve local citizens in the management of local affairs. Efficient service delivery, which is closely knitted with the above factor, is to ensure that the basic needs of local citizens are met as speedily and as efficiently as possible. Resource mobilization is to provide a framework within which local resources, both human and material, are effectively mobilized. (Adamolekun, 1983:7) Ezeani (2006:253) posits that “local government is generally seen as a veritable agent of development and grassroots participation in the democratic process”.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine roles of local government in the development of the district. Selected residents in Moyamba District forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain roles of local government in the development of the district. 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 roles of local government in the development of the district.
Summary
This study was on roles of local government in the development of the district. Three objectives were raised which included; to identify, categorize, and define the diverse roles that local governments undertake in fostering development in Moyamba District, to intends to investigate the strategies and mechanisms employed by local governments to fulfill their development-oriented roles in Moyamba District and to highlight the challenges and limitations that local governments encounter in their pursuit of development objectives. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Moyamba District. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the roles of local government in development are not confined to administrative mandates; they are narratives of empowerment, progress, and collective betterment. This study’s voyage through their intricate tapestry underscores their significance as architects of resilient communities. As the ever-evolving dynamics of development unfold, may this study’s findings serve as a compass guiding local governments toward holistic, sustainable, and prosperous futures for the communities they steward.
Recommendation
- Strengthen Collaborative Networks: Local governments should foster strong collaborations with other tiers of government, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and international partners. These collaborations can leverage diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, enhancing the effectiveness and impact of development initiatives.
- Prioritize Citizen Engagement: Embrace citizen participation as a cornerstone of local government operations. Establish mechanisms for regular consultations, feedback loops, and inclusive decision-making processes that empower citizens to shape development agendas and hold local officials accountable.
- Enhance Resource Allocation Efficiency: Local governments should adopt data-driven approaches to resource allocation. Conduct thorough needs assessments and prioritize investments in sectors that yield the most significant development outcomes. Implement transparent budgeting practices to ensure public funds are used effectively and equitably.
References
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- Adamolekun, L. (1983) Public administration: A Nigerian and comparative Perspective. New York: Longman Inc.
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- Duru, E.J.C. (2001) Essence of Local Government Reforms in Nigeria, in Duru, E.J.C; Ikejiani-Clark, M. O. & Mbat, D. O. (eds) Contemporary issues in public administration. Calabar: BAAJ International Company.
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- Ezeani E.O. (2004) Local Government Administration. Enugu: Zik-Chuks Nig.
- Ezeani E.O. (2006) Fundamentals of Public Administration. Enugu: Snaap press Ltd.
