ABSTRACT
When the researcher chose this topic: PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, she was inspired by the high rate of embezzlement, poor leadership, low rate of accountability, general laxity of the finance department and corruption in Nigeria Local Government, and Aninri Local Government in particular. To do this, the researcher developed four (4) Questions. This questions were administered inform of questionnaires to 195 staff who were selected as a sample of the population. Apart from this, secondary data were used. In organizing and presenting data collected, tables and percentages were used as well. The data analysis revealed that ineffective utilization of revenue in the local government had created a negative impact in Aninri Local Government Area. The researcher therefore recommended that the revenue available to local government should be handled by honest and accountable personnel, those who posses sound knowledge about revenue generation and utilization. The outcome would be an effective and efficient management and utilization of local government revenue in such a way that would deliver the needed development.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Delimitation/Limitation of the study
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Definition of Terms
References
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Theoretical frame work
2.2 Brief History of Aninri Local government
2.3 Functions of Local Government Councils
2.4 Sources of Revenue to Local Governments In Nigeria
2.5 Summary of Aninri Local Government recurrent revenue and expenditure
2.6 The problem of effective utilization of Revenue of Local Government
2.7 The impact of PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
2.8 Solutions/way forward to the problems of effective revenue utilizations
References
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Research Design and Methodology
3.2 Sources of data
3.3 Area/location of Study
3.4 Population of the Study
3.5 Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.6 Establishing the validity of the instruments
3.7 Establishing the reliability of the instruments
3.8 Method of data analysis
References
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Data presentation and analysis
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Summary of Findings
CHAPTER
ONE
1.1 BACK GROUND OF THE STUDY
Nigeria as a sovereign nation operates a federal
system of government i.e the federal government, state government and the local
government councils.
Onwo (1992) Observed that each level of the three
tiers of government derive its powers not from the magnanimity of the central
government but from the constitution; each level of government has defined
responsibilities assigned to it by the constitution. The implication of this is
that the three segments of governments are mutually interrelated in a unified
effort to make life worth – while for the masses.
Aninri local government area was created out of
Awgu local government in October 1996 by the late head of state General Sani
Abacha. As one of the new local government councils, it is facing a very
serious crisis of development since its creation. Some problems facing the council
include: insufficient office accommodation, staff quarters and office
infrastructures. These problems seem to be insurmountable.
Indigenes of the local government are desirous of
enjoying modern facilities, improved means of transportation, such as good road
network and mass transit transport services. These desires are in line with
stated objectives of the local government
such as construction and
maintenance of roads, provision of health services such as maternity
homes, health centers, sanitization, provision of primary education and many
others – as sponsored by the federal military government. The federation
(Nigeria) years book of 1983, outlined the aims of the local government system
in the country. According to that document, one of the cardinal aims of the
local government system is to make appropriate services and development
activities, responses to local wishes and needs by delegating authority to
local representative bodies.
The citizens expect the council to excel in
developmental activities. They would like to please the community or
communities in the local government area through the provision of functional feeder roads and public
utilizations.
The council administration in the other hand
complains of inadequate finance to meet up with the numerous responsibilities
yearning for attention. According to the guidelines for local government
reforms or 1976, “it must be recognized that if meaningful local government is
to be expected in Nigeria, much larger financial resources are needed” they
also complain that staff salaries alone drain a high percentage of the monthly
allocation. Financial experts postulates that money is at the center of
developmental projects. Acquisition and proper accountability of funs are the
pivot upon revolves. Adedeji (1979) capped it all when he declared that the
success or failure and the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of local
government depend on the financial resources available to the individual local
government and the way these resources are utilized.
From the foregoing, it seems that an empirical
study into the revenue base of the local government system at this harsh
economic period is not only useful but very vital.
It is therefore against this background that this
project work is being undertaken with a view to discovering PROBLEMS OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENTs with particular reference to Aninri local government area of Enugu
state.
1 .2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The relevance of the local government councils as
the government at the grassroot level is measured by the quality and quantity
services rendered to the rural dwellers.
For the
council to render meaningful services, in form of provision of basic amenities,
construction and maintenance of roads, creation of employment opportunities for
the citizens and pay staff salaries as and when due, money is undoubtedly
required.
Without the availability of revenue, a local
government council will not only be incapable of serving the people but will
undoubtedly crumble. It therefore, follows that for the local government to
discharge its statutory functions effectively, it should not only be adequately
funded but such fund should be efficiently applied.
1.
One of the
fundamental problems in local government financial administration is the issue
of Effective Utilization of Revenue Available to the Local Government. Aninri
local government council may have tits unique problems that militate against
its financial administration.
2.
The
problem of delay in payment of federal/state government grants to the local
authorities.
3.
The
problems of accountability in the local government council.
4.
Another
problem is that of ineffective financial control and management both internally
and externally.
5.
Fifthly,
the problem of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of available funds in
local government council.
Finally, the problem of corruption as stated by
Oluwale (2000) militate against the utilization of local government revenue.
1.3 PURPOSE
OF THE STUDY
The central focus of the study is to critically
analyze the problems of effective utilization of revenue available to Aninri
local government area as a case study.
1.
The study
is meant to identity the major revenue sources available to local government .
2.
To
ascertain the problems that confront the council’s administration in utilizing
revenue for their services.
3.
To find
out whether or not the revenue is adequate for the council’s expenditure.
4.
To
investigate the system of financial control in the local government council.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of any human endeavour is
measured by its relevance to solving human problems. Therefore, the
significance of the study is measure by its relevance to solving PROBLEMS OF
LOCAL GOVERNMENTs in Nigeria.
The project will be of benefit, first and foremost
to the Aninri Local Government administration, as it will expose to them
potential sources of generating of revenue internally.
Secondarily, it will help the council to
strengthen its financial bases as this study would highlight some identified
problem hampering the utilization of revenue in the council.
Thirdly, it will also be useful to the indigenes
of Aninri local government to co-operate with local council administrators
to enable them build a viable local
government by paying their taxes and rates promptly.
Fourthly, the project will be useful to various
institutions especially Caritas University, for gaining greater knowledge and
understanding of PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Finally, the project will be useful to the general
public, organizations, companies etc that may have interest in the project.
1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
i. Delimitations
(scope) of the study: This is centered on PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT in
Nigeria but due to the wide or vast nature of Nigeria, the researcher now chose
Aninri local government as a case study to deal with this particular problems
in other local government in Nigeria.
The study is also centered on the sources of
revenue available to local government both the internal and external sources of
revenue.
ii. Limitations
(constraints) of the study: In the effort of carrying out this research
bathe researcher was faced with the problem of time, finance and visitation of
Aninri Local Government, the case study of the research work.
The
researcher being a student, found it difficult to get exeat out of the school
premises and the time frame given was so limited in carrying out the research
work. Also, the distribution and collection of the questionnaire to the staff
of Aninri Local Government was not easy for the researcher as the respondents
were not always available.
The study was carried out under a lot of
constraints. The class work and financial constraints were other limitations
which made it uneasy for the materials to be ready available at the appropriate
time.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In the effort of carrying out this research, the
following questions were formulated:
1.
Are you
aware of the constitutional provision of revenue sources to the tiers of
government in Nigeria?
2.
By what
means has Aninri Local government planned the expenditure of available revenue?
3.
What
systems of financial control measures are used by council administrators?
4.
Has the
utilization of the Revenue Available to Aninri Local Government produced
positive or negative effects?
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Some
concepts and terms required proper explanation or definition to enhance our
understanding of the theme where necessary opinions of scholars will be cited
to illustrate the terms.
Democracy
The
Ancient Greeks defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people
and for the people. This political arrangement allowed every adult male citizen
to participate in government activities.
Dare
(1981) Postulated that modern democracy is a system of government which gives
to individual maximum freedom and periodical opportunities to choose their
leader and programmes. Multiple party-systems are a vital characteristic of a
democratic government.
Pragmatism
The term pragmatism is derived from the Greek from
which practical action arise. It could simply be referred to as philosophy or
practical consequences or result orientedness. In our context, it is used to
describe political programmes aimed at betternece living standard of the
masses.
Rural
Development
Rural development is a strategy designed to improve
the socio-economic life of the rural dwellers. It involves extending the
benefits of development to the less privileged in the society. When applied to
local government councils as a third tier of government, in the county, it
means conscious efforts by the government, to carry government programmes to
the village level. In so doing, deliberate actions are initiated to improve the
rural population.
Accountability
Owing to the fact that local government provides
local services like sanitation, education, transportation etc to the people of
the area, it is logical that it is accountable to the local people within its
area of jurisdiction.
This principle of accountability is better ensured
by making local government or local government bodies elective institutions. If
they function below expectation, they may be criticized by the people or voted
out during the next elections.
Absence of local accountability may make them
indifferent and insensitive to the need, feelings and aspirations of the local
people.