AUTONOMY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND WAY FORWARD (A STUDY OF BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BAUCHI STATE)
Abstract
This study examines the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, with a focus on Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State, and its influence on grassroots development, governance capacity, and service delivery. Anchored on the Decentralization Theory, the research investigates how financial autonomy and political independence affect local government performance and accountability. A quantitative survey design was employed, collecting data from 384 respondents, including local government officials, civil servants, state representatives, and residents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses through SPSS.
Findings indicate that local governments possess a moderate degree of autonomy, positively impacting grassroots development. Financial autonomy emerged as a critical determinant of effectiveness, with internally generated revenue and direct access to statutory allocations significantly enhancing decision-making, resource allocation, and service delivery. Regression results confirmed that financial autonomy (β = 0.45, p < 0.05; r = 0.62) strongly predicts local government autonomy. Political interference, however, remains a major constraint, with state control over elections and appointments limiting political independence and accountability. Political autonomy significantly predicts local government autonomy (β = 0.30, p < 0.05; r = 0.37) but is insufficient alone to ensure full administrative freedom.
The study concludes that while financial and political autonomy are essential for effective local governance, financial independence alone cannot eliminate political constraints. To enhance local government performance, comprehensive reforms are required, including strengthened financial mechanisms, protection of political autonomy, administrative capacity building, and participatory governance. The findings contribute to theoretical and practical understanding of decentralization and provide policy guidance for improving local government autonomy and grassroots development in Nigeria.
Keywords: Autonomy, Financial Autonomy, Political Interference, Decentralization
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.