Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Local government administration plays a crucial role as the third tier of governance in many countries. The viability of local government administration is influenced by various factors that impact its effectiveness and efficiency in serving the needs of the local population. This research project aims to explore the key factors that affect the viability of local government administration as the third tier of governance. The study will examine the financial resources available to local governments, including revenue sources and budget allocations, and how these resources impact the ability of local governments to deliver essential services. Additionally, the research will investigate the legal framework within which local governments operate, including the extent of autonomy and decision-making power granted to them by higher levels of government. Moreover, the project will analyze the capacity and capability of local government officials and staff, including their training, skills, and experience, and how these factors influence the overall performance of local government administration. The research will also consider the role of political factors, such as the level of political stability and the presence of corruption, in shaping the viability of local government administration. Furthermore, the study will explore the level of citizen participation and engagement in local government decision-making processes, as well as the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to ensure that local governments are responsive to the needs and concerns of the local population. The research will also examine the role of civil society organizations and the media in monitoring and advocating for effective local government administration. By investigating these key factors, this research project seeks to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local government administration as the third tier of governance. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of how to enhance the viability of local government administration and improve its capacity to deliver quality services to local communities. Ultimately, this research project aims to inform policy decisions and reforms that can strengthen local government administration and promote good governance at the local level. By addressing the factors that affect the viability of local government administration, this study seeks to support the development of more efficient, accountable, and responsive local governance systems.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1. Background
   of the study

Local
government plays a very crucial role in the delivery of services to the
citizenry. The success of any local government is its ability to utilize its
human and material resources to achieve the desired goals set aside for the
citizens i.e. rendering needed services to the community. Local government is a
government in which popular participation both in the choice of decision makers
and in its recognition of a third tier of government is made possible. Prior to
1976, however, Nigerian local government has passed through various transformations.
These transformations and reorganizations have affected the system financially,
administratively, politically and functionally.

Local
government administration in Nigeria has had a tortuous history. It is an important process of government with
significant consequences for national development. It is about mobilization of
human and material resources at the grassroots level for societal progress and
development.

Modern local government administration in Nigeria began during the British colonial rule. But then the system was not uniform. The restructuring and provision of some level of roles, democratic existence and funding of local government administration began in 1976. The 1976 local government reform introduced a uniform system of local government administration throughout the country, recognized local government as third tier of government and granted financial and functional autonomy to local government administration in Nigeria. The reform was a major departure from the previous practice of local government administration in Nigeria (Oviasuyi, Idada&Isiraojie, 2010). During the period when the British colonized Nigeria and the mid 1970’s when a major reform initiative was launched, local government administration was essentially undemocratic and authoritarian, either directly colonial in nature, or in indirectly so, but indeed undemocratic, under various traditional governance authorities referred to as Native Administration by the British colonial rulers (Jega, 2006:1).