LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT OF NKANU WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT This study on Local Government Administration as an Instrument for Rural Development using Nkanu West Local Government as Study area aimed at Determine the extent to which local government has performed as an instrument for rural development. Identify factors that hinders the performance of its responsibilities in their development function. Find out how the Local Government Authority will be effective and efficient in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. Expose Nkanu West Local Government on its functions and responsibilities. Ascertain if local government administration performs their functions for rural Development. A survey research method was used to gather information. The researcher sampled 267 staff made up of Senior, Junior staff and other workers in Nkanu west Local government area as respondents. The researcher made some findings which includes that; the performance of Nkanu West Local Government Council with respect to the provision and maintenance of good roads, portable water, health care services, rural electrification, to mention but few have been described as unimpressive and definitely not commendable. Most of the communities in the area are inaccessible especially during the rainy seasons. It has been revealed from the research that the local governments do not have enough fund to meet its responsibilities. Apart from lack of adequate fund, mismanagement of available, lack of commitment to duty by staff and lack of trained and experienced personal to implement project have been identified as factors militating against the provision of infrastructural facilities by the local government council. There are exposure of Nkanu West Local Government on its functions and responsibilities. Therefore the researcher concludes and recommends that: there should be an increase in the federal government fund allocation, this is because the provision of such facilities like good roads, hospitals, health care services, water borcholes and electricity are capital intensive. Local government should intensity effort towards internal revenue generation and all rates and taxes should be collected and utilized judiciously. Revenue officers should be closely monitored to avoid diversion, misappropriation or embezzlement of collected local government revenue by corrupt revenue staff. Local government council should set-aside on monthly basis money meant for capital developments, such funds should not be tempered with no matter the pressure. Local government should employ experienced and qualified professionals such as medical doctors, other health workers, and engineers to manage strategic developments.