LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

The paper titled “Local Government and Service Delivery in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The research commenced with the introduction of the concepts “Local Government and Service Delivery” Interrogating the impact and challenges bedevil the local councils in providing essential services to the rural populace. The main objectives of the study are to examine the impact of local government on the provision of social services in Lafia Local Government Area. Data were generated through the use of primary and secondary sources where questionnaires were administered among the respondents to source a firsthand information.  Also the use of text books, journal papers, news papers, magazines and internet materials was utilized. The research is anchored on the theory of Fiscal Federalism. The population of the study is 479,674 as at 2023 projected population increase index of 3% while the sample size is 400 was duly drawn from the total population using Taro Yamane formular. The research reveals that, Lafia local government council has not impacted on the provision of primary health care, primary education, infrastructures and drinking water. Finally, the research recommends that, both the Federal and State Governments should empower local government councils so as to give their best in the area of providing essential services to its immediate community. Also, primary education sector should be improved through joint hand community development effort to be augmented by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) or philanthropists.