Project Abstract

Factors affecting the viability of local government administration as the third tier of governance are crucial in understanding the effectiveness and efficiency of decentralized decision-making and service delivery. This research explores various elements that influence the viability of local government administration, including financial autonomy, capacity building, political interference, and local leadership. Financial autonomy is a key factor impacting the viability of local government administration. The availability of adequate financial resources is essential for local governments to deliver services effectively and implement development projects. Lack of financial autonomy can hinder the ability of local governments to address the needs of their communities, leading to inefficiency and poor service delivery. Capacity building is another critical factor that influences the viability of local government administration. Building the skills and knowledge of local government officials and staff is essential for effective governance and service delivery. Capacity building initiatives can help local governments improve their planning, decision-making, and implementation processes, ultimately enhancing their viability as a governance tier. Political interference is a significant challenge that can impact the viability of local government administration. In many cases, local governments face interference from higher levels of government or political actors, which can undermine their autonomy and decision-making authority. Political interference can lead to corruption, inefficiency, and poor governance practices, affecting the overall viability of local government administration. Local leadership plays a crucial role in determining the viability of local government administration. Strong and effective leadership at the local level is essential for driving development initiatives, mobilizing resources, and fostering community participation. Weak or ineffective leadership can hamper the performance of local governments and hinder their ability to effectively serve their communities. In conclusion, the viability of local government administration as the third tier of governance is influenced by various factors, including financial autonomy, capacity building, political interference, and local leadership. Addressing these factors is essential for strengthening local government administration and enhancing its effectiveness in delivering services and promoting development at the grassroots level. By understanding and addressing these key factors, policymakers and stakeholders can support the viability of local government administration and improve governance outcomes for local communities.

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).