ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON ADMINISTRATION GOVERNANCE (A CASE STUDY OF OBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL)

ABSTRACT This research work was undertaken with a view to Assessing The Role Of Local Government In Governance with a focus on Obi Local Government in Nasarawa State. In doing this, the researcher based his study on the provision of the 1976 local government reform in Nigeria which made local government a third tier of government and there are 774 local governments across Nigeria to enhance socio-economic and political development of rural areas. The objectives of this study is to conduct a research on the role of local government as an agent of the development of effective government in Nigeria using Obi local government area as a references points. However, this study intends to cover all the role of local governments as agent of development of effective government in Nigeria in general and Obi local government area in particular. In carrying out the study, primary and secondary data were used. Related literatures were reviewed. The result was found that local governments are not performing satisfactory in the development of rural areas because they are faced with many challenges. Such as corruption, unqualified and inexperienced staff, inadequate public support, political interference, poor revenue base and so on. The researcher concluded and recommends for full autonomy of the system, right placement and training of workers, free and fair Election, proper mobilization of revenue sources and among others. Therefore, all relevant authorities are to support the effort of Federal government to actualize rural development because local government administration is very relevant in transforming rural areas into political and economic viabilities.