APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA COUNCIL, NASARAWA STATE)

ABSTRACT Local government administration occupies a strategic position in grassroots development, serving as the closest tier of government to the people. This study appraises the role of local government in community development, with particular reference to Keffi Local Government Area Council in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The research is motivated by persistent concerns regarding the effectiveness, accountability, and developmental impact of local government structures in addressing the socio-economic needs of rural and semi-urban communities. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, utilizing both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data are collected through structured questionnaires and interviews administered to local government officials, community leaders, and residents, while secondary data are obtained from official records, policy documents, and relevant literature. The data are analyzed using simple percentage and inferential statistical techniques to determine the extent of local government contributions to community development. Findings reveal that although the Keffi Local Government Area Council has made efforts in areas such as provision of basic infrastructure, primary healthcare, and educational support services, its overall performance is constrained by inadequate funding, political interference, corruption, and limited community participation. The study further establishes that effective community development is significantly influenced by transparency in governance, proper resource allocation, and active involvement of local stakeholders. The study concludes that while local governments have the institutional framework to drive grassroots development, their impact remains suboptimal due to systemic challenges. It therefore recommends enhanced fiscal autonomy, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and increased community engagement as critical measures for improving the developmental role of local governments. The findings of this study contribute to ongoing discourse on decentralization and sustainable development in Nigeria.