Local Government Administration and Challenges of Service Delivery in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the challenges of service delivery in local government administration inNigeria, utilizing a survey design method. Local governments are the closest level of governmentto the people, and their efficiency in delivering essential services is crucial for grassrootsdevelopment. However, the sector faces numerous challenges that hinder its ability to providequality services. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of local governmentemployees and residents, selected through a stratified random sampling technique across multiplelocal governments in Nigeria. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package forSocial Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the responses, whileinferential statistics, including regression analysis and the Chi-square test, were used to examinethe relationships between variables such as funding, capacity building, political interference, andservice delivery. The findings reveal that inadequate funding, lack of capacity building for staff,political interference, and corruption are the major challenges hindering effective service deliveryin local government administration. The study concludes by recommending that reforms areneeded in the areas of financial autonomy, enhanced training for local government employees, andminimizing political interference to improve service delivery outcomes.