Administrative Abuses and Socio-Economic Development in the Nigerian Local Government:

Abstract

Nigeria is a federal state, and governmental power is shared between the central government and its component regions. The local government in Nigeria is the third tier of government, with the state government being the second. The local government was particularly created to bring the government closer to the grassroots and to enhance even development. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, there has been a decline in the delivery of social services at the local government level due to administrative abuses. This has affected development goals at the grassroots. This paper examines forms of administrative abuses in Nigeria and their effects on local government. The authors employed both descriptive and content analytical methods. This approach drew on official records, policy pronouncements, and a considerable volume of related literature. The paper concludes and suggests the need for an institutional watchdog to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s local government system continues to be a significant hindrance to good governance