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Abstract
This study appraises the role of local governments in Nigeria's national development, with a focus on Oredo Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State from 2016 to 2024. Grounded in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, it examines how local gover ments contribute to socio- economic progress amid constitutional mandates for infrastructure, health, education, and
urban planning. Key challenges, including corruption, fiscal dependency, political interference, and institutional weaknesses, are identified as significant barriers to effective governance. Employing a descriptive survey design with elements of content analysis, data were collected from 150 purposively selected respondents—comprising government officials, community leaders, and residents—using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and inferential tests (Chi- square) analyzed responses, testing hypotheses on constitutional fulfillment, challenges, and project impacts. Findings reveal moderate execution of constitutional functions (mean score: 2.58), with infrastructure projects showing positive economic effects but limited overall socio-economic transformation (χ² = 2.16, p = 0.1416). Digitization and globalization offered benefits but were constrained by poor ICT infrastructure. Hypotheses confirmed significant hindrances from challenges (χ² = 24.00, p < 0.0001) and partial mandate achievement. The study concludes that empowering local governments through fiscal autonomy and reforms is essential for sustainable development. Recommendations include anti-corruption measures, capacity building, and enhanced digitization. This research addresses literature gaps on localized governance, providing insights for policymakers to align local efforts with Sustainable Development Goals.
urban planning. Key challenges, including corruption, fiscal dependency, political interference, and institutional weaknesses, are identified as significant barriers to effective governance. Employing a descriptive survey design with elements of content analysis, data were collected from 150 purposively selected respondents—comprising government officials, community leaders, and residents—using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and inferential tests (Chi- square) analyzed responses, testing hypotheses on constitutional fulfillment, challenges, and project impacts. Findings reveal moderate execution of constitutional functions (mean score: 2.58), with infrastructure projects showing positive economic effects but limited overall socio-economic transformation (χ² = 2.16, p = 0.1416). Digitization and globalization offered benefits but were constrained by poor ICT infrastructure. Hypotheses confirmed significant hindrances from challenges (χ² = 24.00, p < 0.0001) and partial mandate achievement. The study concludes that empowering local governments through fiscal autonomy and reforms is essential for sustainable development. Recommendations include anti-corruption measures, capacity building, and enhanced digitization. This research addresses literature gaps on localized governance, providing insights for policymakers to align local efforts with Sustainable Development Goals.
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