LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF EDO STATE (2015-2025)

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Abstract
This study examines the relationship between local government autonomy and socioeconomic development in Nigeria, using Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. The research emphasis the vital role of local governments in promoting grassroots development. Despite this, local governments in Nigeria have often been constrained by excessive interference from higher tiers of government, particularly in financial, administrative, and political matters. Such interference has weakened their capacity to function effectively and to implement developmental programs tailored to local needs. This study adopts a descriptive survey research design to assess the extent to which local government autonomy influences socioeconomic development in Oredo Local Government Area. The findings reveal that granting full financial, administrative, and political autonomy to local governments is crucial for enhancing service delivery and achieving sustainable development. The conclusion drawn by this research is that genuine local government autonomy is important and of necessity for effective grassroots governance and recommends that both federal and state governments should provide the necessary constitutional and institutional support to ensure full autonomy for local governments across Nigeria as this would enhance socio economic development at the grassroots and the country as a whole.
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