Assessment of Filing Systems and Retrieval Efficiency in Local Government Secretariats in Enugu State

This research assesses the filing systems and retrieval efficiency of documents in selected local government secretariats in Enugu State, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. Effective filing systems are foundational to administrative performance, yet many local government authorities in Nigeria continue to rely on outdated manual systems that compromise document security and retrieval speed. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting registry officers, administrative clerks, and local government chairpersons' secretarial staff. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires and retrieval-time observation logs. Relevant literature from 2019 to 2024 highlights persistent challenges in local government record-keeping across sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria presenting particular vulnerabilities tied to funding constraints and staff training deficits. This study specifically identifies the types of filing systems in use, their efficiency levels, and the barriers to improvement. It also explores staff perceptions of filing adequacy and the frequency of document loss or misplacement. Recommendations are directed at local government reform bodies and the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The study provides a practical baseline for policy dialogue on local governance documentation reform. Keywords: filing systems, retrieval efficiency, local government, Enugu State, records management