LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF GBOKO LOCAL GOVT. AREA OF BENUE STATE (2012-2021)

ABSTRACT Local government administration represents the tier of government closest to the grassroots population and is primarily established to promote rural development and enhance service delivery. Despite constitutional recognition of local governments as the third tier of government in Nigeria, their autonomy has remained a subject of intense debate due to persistent political and financial interference from state governments. This study examined the relationship between local government autonomy and rural development in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State between 2012 and 2021. The study adopted decentralization and fiscal federalism theories as analytical frameworks. A descriptive survey research design was employed using both primary and secondary data sources. Findings revealed that limited fiscal, administrative, and political autonomy significantly constrained rural infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, agricultural support services, and educational improvement within Gboko LGA during the study period. The study concludes that effective rural development is largely dependent on genuine local government autonomy. It therefore recommends constitutional reforms guaranteeing financial independence, democratic local elections, and improved accountability mechanisms to strengthen grassroots governance in Nigeria. Keywords: Local Government Autonomy, Rural Development, Grassroots Governance, Fiscal Federalism, Gboko LGA.