CORRUPTION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGEERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS.

Abstract

Nigeria is bedeviled by the scourge of corruption at all levels of governance and this poses a significant challenge to Nigeria’s development and political stability.  Due to the abysmal performance of previous administration in the Local Government systems in Nigeria, there is a dangerous erosion of the citizens’ confidence in the integrity and effectiveness of governments at all levels. This, in consequence, places the wealth of the nation in wrong hands, stimulates wastage of scarce resources as well as disrupts services delivery and triggers high cost of governance. This study examines critically the problems that confront the Nigerian local government systems in the efforts at establishing as the third tier of government. The research found that autonomy for local governments is being hindered by several factors such as constitutional gaps, persistence political dominations through the conduct of local elections, continuous interference and arbitrary control of the local governments funds, by the states‟ governments and undue interferences in their local administrative, traditional and minor matters. The paper made use of secondary data and adopted the elite theory as the theoretical framework for its analysis. Recommendations are provided to address corruption which is essential for Nigeria's sustainable development and social cohesion as well as promote good governance; fostering ethical leadership, enhancing civic engagement, and a vibrant press to turn around the status quo.