AN ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, 1999-2011

AN ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, 1999-2011

Abstract:

This study assessed the role of local government in service delivery with a specific focus on Kaduna North local government from 1999-2011. It sought to identify services delivered by local government and to ascertain the impact of the services on the wellbeing of the people. Two sets of questionnaires were designed and administered i.e. one for the inhabitants of the area and the other for employees of the local government, so as to capture both the views of the inhabitants of the area and the employees of the local government. Questionnaires were conveniently distributed to 360 inhabitants and 314 were returned. Questionnaires were also conveniently distributed to 30 employees of the local government and the 30 were returned. This was further aided by interviews, focus group discussions, personal observation and the review of relevant literatures. The study revealed that, mismanagement of funds, joint account system, lack of transparency and accountability and restricted revenue sources available to local government and inability to effectively utilize its internal sources of revenue generation had impacted negatively on the provision of public goods at the local level. This is evidence in the poor educational facilities, poor healthcare centres, roads, etc; several problems were however identified as constraints to the service delivery efforts of the local government. These are; lack of viable sources of revenue, mismanagement, joint account, undue interference from state government etc. Hence, this study therefore recommends for the full autonomous status of local government both financially and administratively in order to fully deliver on its mandate, viable sources of revenue and a leadership recruitment process that is merit driven and people of unquestionable character and integrity should be at the helm of affairs, among others.

AN ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, 1999-2011