The Role of Local Government Administration in Economic and Social Development of Rural Area in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study seeks to look at the contributions of local government in the economic and social development of rural areas in Nigeria using udi local government of enugu state as a case study.
This research is also indirectly aimed at identifying different factors militating against the effectiveness of local government administration and solutions to those problems identified. It will also make a recommend action on making local government an effective third tier of government and also making it a great manager of human and financial resources. The overall thrust of recommendation is how to ensure faithful administration of local government.
CHAPTER TWO
The study of local government has attracted quite a substantial amount of literatures in all its ramifications. Because of the malfunctioned roles of local government, scholars have undertaken studies and research on these studies. Parts of these functions ranges from the management of local government financing, staffing and manpower development, with a view of giving it the appropriate meaning it deserves.
There is a reasonable high degree of consensus among most scholars on the meaning of local government, although a few definitions after dipper marginally exist this to a large extent is a function of the divergent view of Socio- economic and political environment of most scholars.
According to professor odenigwe (1985) an erudite scholar in that field defined local government as a system of local administration under which local communities and towns are organized to maintain law and order, provide some limited range of Social services and public amenities and encourage the Co-operation and participation of the inhabitants in joint endeavours towards the improvement of their living. It provides the community with formal organizational framework, which enable them to conduct their affairs effectively and regulate the actions of their member for the general public in a scholarly contribution, Ikelegbe A.O. (1976) did not only define the concept of local government but also provided an elaborate explanation of the goals of local government according to him the goal are facilitation of democratic self governance at the local level through local representative, the mobilization and management of local respires through local involvement and encouragement, the planning and provision of services and development activities, based on local needs, enhance stability and decentralize government activities and services closest to the people and the integration of local communities into the federal scheme and state and federal governments through vital communication mobilization and inputs to government.
According to united Nations office for public administration (1986) defines local government as a political sub-division of a nation or in federal system of a state which is constituted by law and has substantial control over local affairs including the power to impose tax or to exert labour for prescribed purpose.
The governing body of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected. This could also be elaborated among the subheading below.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA COLLECTION PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
COLLECTION
The data used for this study was collected from both primary and secondary sources.
The primary data are those data gotten through the administration of questionnaires and oral interviews and also personal observations by the researchers. The secondary data are those gotten from the review of relevant text books, journals, newspapers and other research work.
According to Kelly (1995), primary data must be collected from the workers or work environment to help in the study while, secondary data should collected from other people apart from those directly involved in the study environment.
PRESENTATION OF DATA
A total number of 200 questionnaire were distributed to Udi local government.
In the table below, the question do local governments have any role to play in the rural area? Was asked.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDING, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
SUMMARY OF FINDING
In this study, efforts have been made to look at the roles of local government administration in social and economic development of rural areas in Nigeria.
Generally, scholars with different views have identified different problems responsible for the low performance of local governments. These problems include; lack of fund, inefficient intergovernmental relations, unhealthy politics, corruptions and embezzlement of public fund.
From the case study (i.e Udi L.G.A), it was discovered that local government administration has performed its roles in the rural area. In contrast. Local governments in developed countries are more effective efficient and development oriented. This is because these countries are economically developed. As a result, their local governments are financially buoyant to carry out developmental functions. Beside this, the nature of intergovernmental relations in these countries are very strong. The analysis of the role of local government in the socio-economic of liftment of its people points to the fact that it has succeeded.
Finally, from the findings on the case studies, local government administration has performed their roles to an extent but might do better if adequate fund and proper trained personnel are employed by provided them.
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