Local Government Administration and Development: A Survey of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The need to escape conditions of underdevelopment by the provision of
adequate facilities for its citizenry is the concern of any nation state. It has
also been accepted that this is better done by bringing government closer to
the people. This underscores the philosophy behind the creation of local
governments. In Nigeria however, it is sad to note that local governments
have performed far below expectations in the above direction. It is in this
wise that this paper takes a survey of the opinions of people in Oredo Local
Government Area of Edo State. Using simple percentages to analyze
responses to questions, the authors found out that though funds available to
local governments are grossly inadequate, there is the general impression
that the little money made available are directed into private pockets. It is
our recommendations that local governments should increase their revenue
base and also ensure proper accountability.