ROLE

This study examines the role of local government in promoting economic development at the grassroots level, using Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, as a case study. The primary objective was to assess the developmental contributions of Egor LGA, identify challenges affecting its financial performance, and evaluate strategies for improving its internally generated revenue (IGR) to foster sustainable growth. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 138 respondents and supplemented with interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative a responses. Findings revealed that Egor Local Government has made meaningful contributions to grassroots economic development through the provision of infrastructure, income generation, and employment creation. However, the study identified inadequate funding, corruption, political interference, and weak revenue mobilization as major obstacles hindering effective performance. It also established that IGR plays a critical role in promoting fiscal sustainability and reducing dependence on statutory
allocations. Furthermore, innovative sources of revenue, such as outdoor signage and advertisement levies, were found to offer promising opportunities for expanding the financial base of the local government. The study concludes that Egor Local Government has the potential to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development if structural and administrative challenges are effectively addressed. It recommends enhanced financial autonomy, improved transparency and accountability, staff capacity building, community participation, and public-private partnerships as key strategies for strengthening local governance and achieving long-term development goals.

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.