IMPLICATION, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY, RURAL DEVELOPMENT

This study examined the implications of local government autonomy on rural development in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically assessed the extent of administrative, political, and fiscal autonomy enjoyed by the local government, analyzed how autonomy influences rural development outcomes, identified major challenges inhibiting effective development, and proposed strategies to enhance autonomy and service delivery. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a population of 325 local government staff and a sample of 124 respondents selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a validated and reliable questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that Egor Local Government enjoys a moderate level of autonomy, which has a moderately positive effect on rural development, particularly in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, persistent challenges such as financial dependency on the state, political interference, weak internally generated revenue, and overlapping administrative roles hinder effective performance. The study concludes that deepening local government autonomy through direct fund allocation, institutional reforms, capacity building, and strengthened community participation is crucial for sustainable rural development. The study recommends constitutional enforcement of direct fiscal allocation to local councils, mandatory elected leadership, and continuous professional development for staff to enhance efficiency and accountability in grassroots governance.