Record Management Practices in Local Government Councils in Abeokuta, Ogun State

This study examined record management practices in local government council offices in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Effective records management is essential for transparency, administrative efficiency, and the preservation of institutional memory in public sector organisations. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from records officers and administrative staff in five local government councils using questionnaires and personal observation. The study found that most councils lacked formal records management policies and that staff responsible for records handling had received little or no professional training. Physical records were poorly organised, misfiling was common, and digital records management systems were either absent or underutilised. The study also found that records disposal was conducted without standardised appraisal procedures, creating risks for institutional accountability. The study recommended the adoption of electronic records management systems, the development of records management policies, and the enrolment of records staff in professional training programmes. Keywords: records management, local government, Abeokuta, Ogun State, administrative efficiency.