“Local Government Administration and the Challenges of Corruption in Nigeria a case study of Karu Local Government Area Nasarawa State
The study titled “Local Government Administration
and the Challenges of Corruption in Nigeria a case study of Karu Local
Government Area Nasarawa State” is aimed at finding out the impact of
corruption on local government administration in Karu local government Nasarawa
state. Local government as a tier of government is about the most important
tier of government particularly with its direct impact on the people at the
lowest strata of government. Governance at this level has always been
confronted with the ever recurring problem of scarce resources with which to
undertake development inclined projects needed for the upliftement of the lives
of the local people. The situation has now been made worse by the problem of
corruption at the local level. This research project work therefore looks at
the trend of corruption in the local government system why it is perpetrated
and its effect on governance at the grassroots level. In order to achieve the
objective, the research adopts survey design and questionnaire was used as an
instrument for the collection of data from a population of 100 respondents of
which 75 questionnaires were distributed of which 50 (65.2) were duly filled
and returned. Analysis was done using simple percentage methods of data
analysis for the research questions, while the hypotheses were analyzed using
the chi-square statistical analytical technique. The finding indicated that:
There is no significant positive relationship between corruption and
development on local government administration. The study recommends stronger
leadership, institutions and collective resolution of the people to deal with
the problems. The government must take proactive in area of development, growth
progress, decency and stability in the country.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Title page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
List of figure
CHAPTER
ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the study
1.2
Statement of Research Problem
1.3
Objectives of the study
1.4
Research Questions
1.5
Statement of Hypothesis
1.6
Significant of the study
1.7
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
1.8
Definition of Terms
CHAPTER
TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.2 Conceptual
Clarification
2.3 Theoretical
Framework
2.4 Literature
on the Subject Matter
CHAPTER
THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
Design of the Study
3.2 Population
3.3 Sample
size
3.4 Sampling
Technique
3.5 Instrumentation
3.6 Instrument
Validation
3.7 Reliability
of Research Instrument
3.8 Procedure
of Data Collection
3.9 Method
of Data Analysis
CHAPTER
FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.0 Data
analysis, findings and discussion
4.1 Findings
of the Study
4.2 Discussion
of findings
CHAPTER
FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
5.4 Suggestion
for further research
Bibliography
Appendix 1: Letter of introduction
Appendix II: Questionnaire
CHAPTER
ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The wave of popular pressures for political reforms
that spread across most developing countries in the period stretching from the
late 1980s to the mid-1990s culminated in the restoration and establishment of
the democratic institutions. In most countries, where, the transition to
elected government occurs, the most visible sign of the changes that took place
was the repositioning of the third tier of government to its proper position,
for the grassroots development. Indeed, general political reforms went hand in
hand with economic reforms. Thus, during the 1990s and beyond, a considerable
amount of discussion took place and centered on the question of good government
to improve the situation in the rural areas (Maidoki and Philip, 2009).
In Nigeria, the impact of government is felt more at
the grass root level, that is, where the majority of the people of the country
live. As a result, the local government level as the third tier of government
in the country is charged with the responsibility of delivery of governmental
services and making common- man feel the impact of the government that governs them.
Hence, there are quite of some duties and responsibilities that they discharge
as functions either at the constitutional level or as the sub- constitutional
level (Yahaya, 2009). In other words, the essence is to make the grass root or
local government administration also to witness development in their domain.
Obikeze and Anthony (2004) argued that on the
surface, the commonest challenge that easily comes to the mind of scholars,
researchers, observers and administrators is the problem of finance. Funds are
just usually available in the quantities that can facilitate the easy
transformation of the local government areas. They point out that in Nigeria
federal system, the revenue of the government are usually shared among the
federal, state, and local government, with the local government areas getting
the least share of the statutory allocation. Various allocation of the federal
government is clear evidence here; yet, the responsibilities of local government
are increasing by the day with a growing expectation to perform at that level.
Unfortunately, however, the local governments are
equally coping with more serious challenges in their conduct as a tier of government.
This challenge also does contribute significantly to deterring or slowing down
the local government efforts, as so much of resources are lost through these
means. This research projectwills therefore, examines these challenges in
greater details, and also considers why they occur in the first place. It will
also examine their effects with respect to governance, and then, suggest ways
is they can be controlled.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Considering the important role of local government
administration to socio-economic and politicaldevelopment ofthe ruralareas,
it will be out of place, if the incidents of corrupt practices are not addressed.
It is obvious that achieving the objectives for which a local government was
created may be affected.
Local government is the third tier of government
saddle with development inclined projects need for the upliftement of the lives
of local people. Government at this level has been confronted with the ever-recurringproblems
of scarce financial resources with which to undertake development agenda. The situation
has now been made worse by the challenge of corruption at the local government
level.
Although, corruption exists on a global scale
involving large and small organizations, inNigeria, corruption has taken place
more in government circles. At the local government level, there are some
ofpractices that translate to corruption which in turn draw the local areas
backward. This goes a long way to reveal the lukewarm attitude of our political
elites towards anti – corruption crusade. Meanwhile, the reason for corruption
at the local government is not far fetch. One major reason is that, Nigerian
leadership is not transparent in all its deeds (IroIro, 2009).
According to IroIro (2009), tackling corruption in
Nigeria demands that the political class should re-dedicate themselves to the
development of Nigeria by Nigerians. That class should be ready to sacrifice
their skills, talents and comfort for the real transformation of the country’s
agenda frommonoculture economy to a polycultural one. Maidoki and Philip (2008)
prescribed basic budget and financial management reform as critical elements of
efficiency in the area of service delivery to tackle corruption in local
government.
However, it is pertinent to mention here that challenges
of corruption do not go without problems. Some of the problems this research
hope to address includes the following:
·
Do corruptions reduce the revenue base of
local government?
·
Do corruptions hinder statutory
responsibility of local government?
·
Does corruption lead to poor governance
and service delivery in local government?
Obviously, the above-enumerated problems will be the
focus of this research with a view to proffer solution, since corruption isnowconsidereda
hindranceto development in Nigeria’s local government administration.
1.3
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to assess the extent to which
the challenge of corruption affects the local government administration. Itwill
also evaluate it, determine its effects on the processes of governance
successes and failures and discuss likely means by which they can be
controlled. The other objectives this research seeks to achieve are:
·
To determine the extent to which
corruption factors affect local government administration
in Nigeria.
·
To ascertain the effect of corrupt
practices on the development projects at the Karu local government
area.
·
To determine the relationship existence
between corruption and local government administration.
·
To make suggestions for policy
implication in the light of the findings of the
study.
1.4
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In this study, an attempt will be made to provide
answers to the following questions.
1. How does corruption influence local
government administration performance in Nigeria?
2. What
is the relationship between corruption and local government administrators?
3. To
what extent do corruptions affect Karu local government area?
4. What
are the available measures provided by the government to control and prevent corrupt practices?
1.5
STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS
The following hypothesis formulated would be tested
into help provide answers to the research questions:
Hypothesis
One:
Ho: There is no significant relationship
between Karu local government area and corruption.
H1: There is a significant relationship between
Karu local government area and
corruption
Hypothesis
Two:
Ho: There is no significant correlation between
corruption and development on local government administration in Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant relationship
between corruption and development on local government
administration in Nigeria.
1.6
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study findings will help to inform the
administrator of Karu local government area and other government authorities on
how to ensure prudent use of the fund, and the need for accountability to avoid
corrupt practices. The findings are also intended to help policy makers develop
and maintain governmental affairs, and provide a platform for transparency and
accountability in resources management. Finally, it is to aid policy makers, managers,
government authority to watch out for corrupt practices and to introduce
measures to control, such, and thus, be able to manage the scarce resources to
accommodate for project development at the local government level.
1.7
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This study covers the local government
administration and challenges of corruption in Nigeria, using Karu local
government areas Nassarawastate. The study focused on the challenges corruption
posed to Karu local government as it affects development projects, the processes
of governance, and why it occurs.
This study is delimitated to the available secondary
data from books and other sources such as the internetandlibraries. The primary
data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Out of the 75 questionnaires
distributed to the staff of Karu local government general staff and residents
of theKaru local government area, 50 were completely filled and returned. Also,
in a study of this nature funding is a problem especially against the fact that
it is carried out by a student with merger means.
1.8
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Local
government: A unit of administration with constitutionally
defined territory and powers and it is the tier of government closest to the
people.
Administration:
The process and activity that involve controlling, organizing,andmanaging ofanorganization
.
Corruption:
A dishonest action in the form pervasion of integrity or immoral acts.
Development:
A progressive movement from lower to higher level.
Management:
It is a prudent process of handling activities between personnel and resources
to achieve organization‘s goal.
Transparently:
This is the openness of government in the conduct of its activity that involves
the people.
Performance:
This is the measure of the efficiencies with which inputs or resources are
utilized to create outputs.
REFERENCES
Adewumi, J. B. and
Orewa, G.O (1983) Local government in Nigeria the changing scene, Benin,
Ethiope
Publishing Corporation
IroIro, U (2009) The
political Economy of corruption Trends in Nigeria, in Journal of political
Studies Vol. 1,
No. 2 p89 – 102
Maidoki, P and Philip,
A. (2009); Local government as an agent of service delivery: A
comparativeanalysis
of developing countries and lesson for Nigeria.International Affairs
Quarterly. Vol 1 No 2 p 241 – 255.
Obikeze, O.S. and Anthony.
O.E. (2004).Public administration in Nigeria: A
Developmental approach.
Onitsha, Nigeria: Book point ltd
Yahaya .A.A (2009). Local
Government Administration and the challenges of crimesCorruption in Nigeria, in
journal of political and social studies Vol. 2, No. 2, p 12 – 18.
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