Prospects of Local Government Finance towards Rural Development. A Case Study of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State (Published)
Several challenges have emerged over the years to impede the performance of local government councils in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. One of such challenges is the dwindling revenue base of the local government which has remained an impediment to national development. This paper focuses on how local government can identify revenue sources available to them and ensure effective management of their finances to enhance rural development. A 5 point Likert scale is used to rate hypotheses. It is found that effective utilization of local government finance have significant effect on rural development and a solid financial base have significant effect on the enhancement of rural development. It is recommended that there should be efficient management and utilization of available fund; and also accountable leadership.
Keywords: Finance, Local Government, Revenue, Rural Development
Local Government Finance and Rural Development: A Case of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State (Published)
Several challenges have emerged over the years to impede the performance of local government councils in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. One of such challenges is the dwindling revenue base of the local government which has remained an impediment to national development. This paper focuses on how local government can identify revenue sources available to them and ensure effective management of their finances to enhance rural development. A 5 point Likert scale is used to rate hypotheses. It is found that effective utilization of local government finance have significant effect on rural development and a solid financial base have significant effect on the enhancement of rural development. It is recommended that there should be efficient management and utilization of available fund; and also accountable leadership.
Keywords: Finance, Local Government, Revenue, Rural Development
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF EMOHUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE (2001-2012) (Published)
The study seeks to examine Local Government, Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State (2001-2012). A sample of 400 respondents from 14 wards of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State was studied. Out of the 400 copies of questionnaire administered, 387 copies were retrieved and after going through them 381 copies (i.e. 95% response rate) were found useful for data analysis. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to test the hypotheses. The study identified the key problems affecting good governance, sustainable development and the economic empowerment of the people in local government areas in Nigeria; to include: Lack of funds to execute local government programmes, Lack of employment opportunities, Bribery and corruption / incompetence, lack of transparency and accountability, lack of planning for Good Governance / public objectives, non-government co-operation on socio- economic issues for the citizenry / decisions poor capacity utilization. Indeed there is still loud yearning for good governance at the local government level. From this study it is evident and conclusive that: Good governance promotes sustainable development in Emohua Local Government Area, Good Governance encourages the economic empowerment of the people in local government areas. The study therefore recommends that: Instead of direct sharing or transfer of cash, local government should embark on programmes that can empower local citizenry. Equally, the controlling state governments should show good example in transparency and accountability to local political leaders. This will minimize corruption at local level. Finally, State governments should also desist from hijacking the functions of local government. It is by allowing local political leaders to discharge these functions while in office that they can master the ropes of governance.
Keywords: Good Governance, Local Government, Sustainable Development
IMPROVING PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN THE NIGERIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Published)
From the outset, this paper argues that at the local government level, personnel management has not received the needed professional attention at least in practice. Consequently, national development suffers from the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the manpower that is supposed to initiate and sustain it from the grassroots. The significance of personnel is then highlighted, with management and development as theoretical basis. The Local Government personnel management organisation and functions were analysed along the line, using problem – solution approach. In further search for improvements, the paper proposes rigorous reflection on pre-colonial personnel management theory and practice. It wondered at the relative effectiveness and efficiency in the accomplishment of development projects that characterised the pre-colonial peoples that made the present day Nigerian nation. The paper therefore sought to provide a sound theoretical foundation that informed the relationship between personnel management in the local government system and national development, with the hope of presenting empirical quantitative data and analysis to support the main thesis in the near future
Keywords: Local Government, National Development, Nigeria, Personnel management
Palestinian Dilemma, Tutelage, Guardianship, Nationalism, Sovereignty. (Review Completed - Accepted)
The study seeks to examine Local Government and Good Governance in Nigeria: A Case Study of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, (2004-2007). A sample of 400 respondents from 14 wards of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria was studied. Out of the 400 copies of questionnaire administered, 387 copies were retrieved and after going through them, 381 copies (i.e. 95% response rate) were found useful for data analysis. The study has identified the key problems affecting good governance, sustainable development and the economic empowerment of the people in local government areas in Nigeria; they include: Lack of funds to execute local government programmes, Lack of employment opportunities, Bribery and corruption / incompetence, lack of transparency and accountability, lack of planning for Good Governance / public objectives, non government co-operation on socio- economic issues for the citizenry / decisions poor capacity utilization. The attainment of good governance in Nigeria under the current democratic dispensation is a joint endeavour of the governmental tripod; Federal, State and Local governments. Local government has come a long way in the country. However, it is observable that local governments in the country are hardly effective and efficient. Indeed there is still loud yearning for good governance at the local government level. The study therefore recommends that: Instead of direct sharing or transfer of cash, local government should embark on programmes that can empower local citizenry. Equally, the controlling state governments should show good example in transparency and accountability to local political leaders. This will minimize corruption at local level. Finally, State governments should also desist from hijacking the functions of local government. It is by allowing local political leaders to discharge these functions while in office that they can master the ropes of governance.
Keywords: Good Governance, Local Government, Sustainable Development