Title:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE SOCIO ECONOMIC AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF AKWAIBOM STATE

Authors:
Ebong, Itoro Bassey ,Nte, Eyo Bassey and James, Samuel Francis ,Nigeria

Abstract:
The paper examined the role of local government and the challenges of sustainable socioeconomic development in AkwaIbom State. Local government, being the third tiers of governments in Nigeria, is seen as a mechanism for overcoming rural socio-economic development challenges due to its closeness to the rural populace. The 1999 constitution as amended in fourth schedule clearly defined the roles of local government in the federation towards rural development. However, the capacity to fulfill these responsibilities has been hindered by several factors ranging from political infringement to economic marginalization by the higher tiers of government making local governments in Nigeria to exist at the mercy of the state government in the way that ridicule their existence. This and other challenges explain the weakness and ineffectiveness of local government system in Nigeria. The study relied on qualitative and descriptive approach for data collection. Data were drawn using secondary sources. The major findings of the study revealed among others that the problem of local government to serveas change agent for rural development in Nigeria is as a result of corruption, lack of qualified trained staff, lack of autonomy, inadequate funds among others. Based on the above findings, the paper recommended among others that for local governments in Nigeria to serve as viable agent of socio economic development at the grass root level, they should not over depend on the statutory revenue allocation from both Federal and State governments. By so doing serious commitment should be made by the local government administrators towards internally generated revenue. Elective council leaders should have the political will to transform their domain coupled with a well-trained and qualified staff should be recruited to administer the affairs of the local government council for effective utilization of resources generated for the wellbeing of the local populace in AkwaIbom State in particular and Nigeria in general. Secondly, the use of direct labour (council engineers) in carrying out projects in place of contractors should be encouraged. This will bring about accountability and transparency in project implementation and execution