Local Government Autonomy and Development Administration in Anambra State

This study analyses the implications of local government autonomy for development administration in Anambra State, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. The question of local government financial and administrative autonomy has been a recurring debate in Nigerian federalism, with state governments frequently withholding statutory allocations and undermining the operational independence of councils. Using a survey design, the study gathered data from 270 local government administrators, community leaders, and civil society representatives across six local government areas in Anambra State. Chi-square analysis was used to test associations between levels of autonomy and development programme outcomes. Federalism Theory and the principle of subsidiarity provide the theoretical framework, emphasising that governance functions should be performed at the lowest effective level of administration. Findings indicate that local government areas with greater financial independence recorded higher rates of project completion and community satisfaction compared to those subject to heavy state oversight and joint accounts. Political interference in council appointments and the withholding of federal statutory allocations by the state government are identified as the most debilitating constraints on local autonomy. The study advocates for the full implementation of Section 162(6) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates direct allocation to local governments, as well as the creation of independent local government service commissions. Keywords: local government autonomy, development administration, Anambra State, federalism, statutory allocation.