Wednesday 14 September 2016

“Local Government Administration and the Challenges of Corruption in Nigeria a case study of Karu Local Government Area Nasarawa Stat


 

 “Local Government Administration and the Challenges of Corruption in Nigeria a case study of Karu Local Government Area Nasarawa State

ABSTRACT
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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