Local Government Autonomy and Service Delivery in Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja NIGERIA

Abstract

An explicit constitutional amendment that recognizes local governments as a level of government would give them a distinct legal status and practical autonomy. Local governments standing inside Nigeria's federal structure would be strengthened by this change, which grants them authority over governance, finances, and service delivery. This recognition would also protect local governments from arbitrary interference by state governments by ensuring that they have the constitutional authority to determine what is best for their local constituents. This study assesses Local Government Autonomy and Service Delivery in Abaji Area Council Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Grounded in Governance Theory which highlights the importance of networks, partnerships, and decentralization in achieving effective governance and service delivery. Two research hypotheses were postulated and employing a survey design and quantitative methodology, data were collected from 381 respondents across ten political wards using structured questionnaire and regression analysis. The results that, fiscal autonomy has a major effect on Abaji Area Council FCT Abuja service delivery. The study also showed that operational autonomy has a significant effect on service delivery in Abaji Area Council's FCT Abuja. The study recommends that, Implement constitutional changes to guarantee that Abaji Area Council receives allocations directly; eliminate joint state-local accounts to stop money from being diverted; and increase Abaji Area Council's revenue base so that it can absorb internally generated revenue through markets, property rates, and digital systems. Increase administrative autonomy by guaranteeing that Abaji Area Council handles her hiring and advancements impartially and independently.