Abstract
This research work was purposed at recognizing the impact of 1976 local government reforms on rural development in Nigeria Aba North local government area of Abia state was used as a case study because of its nearness and proximity to the researcher. Local government as a lowest unit of administration has many responsibility, roles and functions, Aba North local government council and her policies have efficiently contributed to bring about rural development. Data used in this research were collected through questionnaires, direct interview and filed observation of various projects executed by the council area of a space time. More data was collected through the consultation of related literature on the local government itself. Therefore the research study revealed that local government cannot be over emphasized in the aspect of rural development. It also examine that some of the problems affecting the performance of local government are inadequate finance, corruption, mother Excellency, bad management, lack of quality staff, lack of mutual co-existence and cooperation with rural dwellers etc. Finally, this study draws the attention of the policy makers within the local government council to admit honesty, intelligent and to make trustworthiness their watchword. The administrators and the management of the local government affairs should try to avoid mismanagement, corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation of fund. Therefore, that is to admit that local government will be an effective and efficient tool for rural development due to these various reforms.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of contents vi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
- Background of The Study                                        1
- Statement of the problem                               2
- Objectives of the study                                    3
- Research questions                                         4
- Significance of the study                                  5
- Scope of the study                                          6
- Limitation of the study                                    6
- Definitions of terms                                              7
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review 9
2.1 Introduction 9
- Problems Of Local Government                         14
- Remedies To The Problems                              19
- Historical Background Of The Local Government Reform and Rural Development In Nigeria         20
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research design and Methodology 33
3.1 Introduction 33
3.2 Research design 34
3.3 Sources/Methods of data collection 34
3.4 Population and sample size 35
3.5 Sample techniques 35
3.6 validity and reliability of measuring instruments 35
3.7 Method of Data analysis techniques 36
CHAPTER FOUR
- Presentation and analysis of data 38
4.1 Introduction 38
4.2 Presentation of data 38
4.3 Analysis of data 43
4.2 Interpretation of result 45
CHAPTER FIVE
- Summary, Conclusion and recommendation 46
5.1 Introduction 46
5.2 Summary of findings 46
5.3 Conclusion 48
5.4 Recommendations 49
References 54
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
- INTRODUCTION
- BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Local government, which is the third tier of government in Nigeria have undergone various reform towards making the system more efficient and effective in rural development autonomy. Introduced by Mohammed/Obasanjo regime. The 1976 local government reform was a local government in Nigeria. According to Okoli (2005) the idea behind the entire exercise was to make local government an effective stratum of government rather than leaving them more appendages to their various states government. This was to ensure that political development economic responsibilities of local government was performed with full autonomy and entrusted to where it is most critically and beneficially needed for the purpose of developing the rural communities.
According to Preman and Guin (1972) rural development is a process design to create condition of social and economic progress of the whole community with active participation and the fullness possible reliance on the community initiative. The reform of local government aimed at appropriate development of the economy and the social well being of the entire Nigeria citizenry. It is also aimed at the building of Nigeria harmony and makes the government of the country more effective and efficient.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem that has warranted this study is to find out how effective the impact of 1976 local government reform have been on rural development in Nigeria. The 1976 local government reform failed to achieve some of its goal as a result not attending to the rural development. The system was prone to frequent disappointment. Therefore, it is important to look into such problems ad ascertaining.
