AN EXAMINATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AS A CATALYST FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Nigeria is composed of 36 states, 774 local government areas (LGAs), and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, operating under a federal system of government. Fundamentally, the role of government is to deliver services that improve the quality of life for its citizens. In this context, local governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient delivery of public goods, especially to the vast rural population. Globally, the establishment of local governments is rooted in the need to promote development at the grassroots level (Agba, Akwara, & Idu, 2020). All political systems aim to provide effective and efficient service delivery at the grassroots, as the performance of local governance systems directly affects the day-to-day experiences of the populace. Thus, regardless of the governing structure, local governments have traditionally been viewed as both instruments and endpoints in achieving national governance, development, and integration (Arowolo, 2020). The establishment of local government structures is considered necessary for promoting grassroots development, and their significance is largely measured by their ability to foster a sense of security, satisfaction, and belonging among the people (Akindele et al., 2020). Governments and regimes of varying types and ideologies have consistently strived to realize this objective. The concept of local government incorporates a mechanism to ensure both political and administrative progress at the national level (Chiedozie, 2019). Regardless of the system in place, local government has consistently been viewed as the bedrock for national governance, development, and cohesion (Gauba, 2020). Since the inception of local government systems in Nigeria, there have been ongoing calls for increased autonomy for these third-tier institutions. Recently, the federal government has lent its support to the advocacy for local government autonomy. As noted in the foreword of the 1979 Local Government Reforms, “states have continued to encroach upon what would have been the exclusive preserve of local governments.” This reform aimed to empower local governments with increased autonomy to govern effectively at the grassroots level. While full autonomy in a federal system may be unattainable, it is widely recognized that local governments must enjoy a reasonable degree of financial independence to successfully fulfill their rural development responsibilities (Imhanlahimi, 2020). The federal government's efforts to strengthen local governments as the third tier of governance have yielded improvements in the councils’ revenue generation capacity. Nevertheless, the absence of a genuine local government structure within Nigeria’s democratic framework has allowed state governments to dominate local government allocations for a prolonged period. Although Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution provides for democratically elected local councils, many are still run by caretaker committees or appointed officials (Omoruyi, 2021). Few are governed by duly elected representatives, and even where elections occur, state governments maintain direct control over council budgets. This overbearing influence has resulted in negligible progress across Nigeria’s 774 local councils, with persistent infrastructural decay and underdevelopment at the grassroots. Most local governments remain mere administrative constructs on paper, failing to function as true engines of rural transformation. The original intent of granting local governments autonomy was to shield them from undue interference by higher levels of government and empower them to actively participate in national development. With proper funding, transparent procedures, and accountability mechanisms, local governments have the potential to provide essential social amenities—such as electricity, clean water, healthcare, education, and recreational services—necessary to enhance rural life. This would also help curb socio-economic challenges such as rural-urban migration and its associated political and environmental issues. Therefore, this study seeks to examine Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: An Instrument for Rural Development in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The autonomy of local governments in Nigeria has long been a topic of national discourse, particularly regarding its role in promoting effective grassroots governance and rural development. Although the Nigerian Constitution acknowledges local governments as the third tier of government responsible for the delivery of public services to rural populations, the reality has consistently fallen short of this expectation (Arowolo, 2020). Local councils across Nigeria frequently contend with interference from state governments, especially in terms of finance, policy formulation, and operational independence, leading to widespread infrastructural deficiencies, poor service delivery, and stagnant rural development. A major contributing factor is the fiscal dependence of local governments on state governments. Despite constitutional provisions for financial allocations via the Federation Account, state governments often retain control over disbursement, withholding funds intended for local councils and thereby crippling their ability to implement development initiatives (Olaleye & Ede, 2020). This financial dependency undermines the capacity of local governments to provide basic amenities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure—services crucial to rural well-being. The absence of genuine autonomy has also resulted in weakened connections between local authorities and the citizens they are meant to serve. This disconnect further hampers participatory governance and reduces accountability at the local level (Chiedozie, 2019). Given the vital role local governments could play in driving rural development, their inability to function independently represents a serious constraint on national progress. Without the necessary political, administrative, and financial freedom, local councils are ill-equipped to deliver meaningful and sustainable development. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria as a Tool for Rural Development, focusing specifically on the case of Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos State 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to examine Local Government Autonomy as a Catalyst for Rural Development: A Case Study of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows i.To assess the level of autonomy enjoyed by local governments in Nigeria ii.To investigate the effects interference from state governments on the operational efficiency of local governments in rural development iii.To analyze the role of local government autonomy in enhancing rural infrastructure development iv.To examine the fiscal constraints faced by local governments due to their dependency on state governments 1.4 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What is the level of autonomy enjoyed by local governments in Nigeria? ii.What are the effects interference from state governments on the operational efficiency of local governments in rural development? iii.What is the role of local government autonomy in enhancing rural infrastructure development? iv.What are the fiscal constraints faced by local governments due to their dependency on state governments? 1.5 Research hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to further guide the study H0: Local government autonomy is not an instrument for rural development in Ikorodu local government area, Lagos Ha: Local government autonomy is an instrument for rural development in Ikorodu local government area, Lagos 1.6 Significance of the study Findings of the study will be significant to the Nigerian government as it will empirically give the government an understanding of the impact that local government autonomy has had on rural development nationwide. This will motivate the government to either review or appreciate local government autonomy in a way that will promote and expedite the rapid development of rural areas across the nation. The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide for future researchers/ 1.7 Scope of the study The study focus onLocal Government Autonomy as a Catalyst for Rural Development: A Case Study of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will assess the level of autonomy enjoyed by local governments in Nigeria, investigate the effects interference from state governments on the operational efficiency of local governments in rural development, analyze the role of local government autonomy in enhancing rural infrastructure development and examine the fiscal constraints faced by local governments due to their dependency on state governments. Geographically, the study is delimited to Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos 1.8 Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.9 Definition of term Local Government: The third tier of government in Nigeria, established to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots level. It is responsible for administering specific functions such as local infrastructure, healthcare, and education in rural and urban areas. Autonomy: The ability of a local government to operate independently, free from undue control or interference by state or federal governments, especially in terms of decision-making, financial control, and administrative responsibilities. Rural Development: The process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, typically through the provision of infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards. Fiscal Autonomy: The ability of local governments to generate and manage their own financial resources independently, without reliance on state governments or undue constraints on how funds are allocated and utilized. State Government: The second tier of government in Nigeria, responsible for overseeing local governments within its jurisdiction and providing governance over state-level affairs. State governments have been known to influence the operations of local governments through financial and administrative control. Political Interference: The involvement of state governments or other political actors in the affairs of local governments, often leading to disruptions in their autonomy and ability to make independent decisions that serve the best interests of the rural population.