Project Abstract

Abstract
Local government administration as the third tier of governance plays a crucial role in ensuring effective service delivery, promoting democracy, and enhancing citizen participation at the grassroots level. However, the viability of local government administration is influenced by various factors that can either hinder or support its functions. This research project aims to explore the factors affecting the viability of local government administration as the third tier of governance. One of the key factors impacting the viability of local government administration is financial autonomy. Local governments rely heavily on funding from the central government, which can lead to a lack of financial autonomy and hinder their ability to implement development projects and provide essential services. Limited financial resources also contribute to inefficiency and corruption within local government structures. Another significant factor is the level of administrative capacity within local governments. Weak institutional capacity, lack of skilled personnel, and inadequate training programs can impede the effective functioning of local government administrations. This, in turn, affects service delivery and the overall performance of local governments. Political interference and instability are additional factors that can impact the viability of local government administration. Political interference in local government affairs can undermine autonomy and decision-making processes, leading to inefficiency and lack of accountability. Moreover, frequent changes in local government leadership due to political instability can disrupt continuity in governance and hinder long-term development planning. Furthermore, the level of citizen participation and engagement also plays a vital role in determining the viability of local government administration. Active citizen involvement in decision-making processes, transparency, and accountability mechanisms can enhance the effectiveness of local governments. However, factors such as low civic awareness, apathy, and lack of mechanisms for citizen engagement can limit the success of local government administrations. In conclusion, the viability of local government administration as the third tier of governance is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including financial autonomy, administrative capacity, political interference, and citizen participation. Addressing these factors is crucial for strengthening local government systems, improving service delivery, and promoting good governance practices at the grassroots level.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1. Background
   of the study

Local
government plays a very crucial role in the delivery of services to the
citizenry. The success of any local government is its ability to utilize its
human and material resources to achieve the desired goals set aside for the
citizens i.e. rendering needed services to the community. Local government is a
government in which popular participation both in the choice of decision makers
and in its recognition of a third tier of government is made possible. Prior to
1976, however, Nigerian local government has passed through various transformations.
These transformations and reorganizations have affected the system financially,
administratively, politically and functionally.

Local
government administration in Nigeria has had a tortuous history. It is an important process of government with
significant consequences for national development. It is about mobilization of
human and material resources at the grassroots level for societal progress and
development.

Modern local government administration in Nigeria began during the British colonial rule. But then the system was not uniform. The restructuring and provision of some level of roles, democratic existence and funding of local government administration began in 1976. The 1976 local government reform 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 reform was a major departure from the previous practice of local government administration in Nigeria (Oviasuyi, Idada&Isiraojie, 2010). During the period when the British colonized Nigeria and the mid 1970’s when a major reform initiative was launched, local government administration was essentially undemocratic and authoritarian, either directly colonial in nature, or in indirectly so, but indeed undemocratic, under various traditional governance authorities referred to as Native Administration by the British colonial rulers (Jega, 2006:1).