The Impact of Political Decentralization on Governance in Zaria LGA, Kaduna State: A Case Study of Zaria’s Local Council Administration
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Background of the Study
Political decentralization refers to the transfer of decision-making powers from central governments to subnational entities, such as local councils. In the context of Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution provides a framework for decentralization by mandating the establishment of local government areas (LGAs) to promote grassroots governance. This decentralization is expected to enhance service delivery, transparency, and citizen participation (Abubakar & Umar, 2023). In Zaria Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, the local council administration is pivotal in fostering development by addressing community needs, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, there is a growing debate on whether political decentralization has delivered on its promises. Recent studies, such as those by Musa et al. (2024), highlight disparities in governance outcomes due to challenges like political interference, financial mismanagement, and lack of accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, evidence from Zaria LGA suggests that decentralized governance has struggled to achieve inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups, such as women and youth (Olawale, 2025). These issues necessitate an in-depth examination of how political decentralization impacts governance in Zaria LGA, focusing on the roles of local councils in addressing developmental challenges.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite constitutional provisions for political decentralization in Nigeria, the anticipated benefits of improved governance and service delivery remain unevenly realized, particularly at the local level. In Zaria LGA, governance challenges persist, including inadequate public service provision, corruption, and limited public participation in decision-making (Okon et al., 2023). Additionally, the allocation of financial resources to local councils often fails to translate into tangible developmental outcomes, raising concerns about the effectiveness of decentralization (Abdullahi, 2024). While existing research emphasizes structural and policy dimensions, there is limited empirical analysis of the operational dynamics within Zaria’s local council administration. This gap underscores the need to investigate how decentralization impacts governance practices in Zaria LGA. By addressing this problem, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on governance reforms and the optimization of local council functions.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
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To assess the impact of political decentralization on service delivery in Zaria LGA.
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To examine the role of local council administration in promoting transparency and accountability in Zaria LGA.
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To evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with political decentralization in Zaria LGA.
1.4 Research Questions
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How has political decentralization influenced service delivery in Zaria LGA?
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What mechanisms are in place to ensure transparency and accountability in Zaria’s local council administration?
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What are the challenges and opportunities of political decentralization in Zaria LGA?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
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Political decentralization has significantly improved service delivery in Zaria LGA.
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Effective transparency mechanisms exist in Zaria’s local council administration.
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Political decentralization faces significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness in Zaria LGA.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study holds significance for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners in governance and public administration. For policymakers, it provides insights into the effectiveness of political decentralization in addressing local governance challenges. The findings will inform reforms aimed at optimizing local council administration in Zaria LGA and beyond. Scholars will benefit from the empirical data and critical analysis that contribute to the theoretical understanding of decentralization and governance in Nigeria. Practitioners, including local government officials and civil society organizations, will gain practical recommendations for improving transparency, service delivery, and citizen participation. Additionally, this study enriches the broader discourse on decentralization by highlighting the unique socio-political dynamics of Zaria LGA.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to Zaria LGA in Kaduna State. It focuses on the governance practices of the local council, emphasizing service delivery, transparency, and decentralization challenges.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
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Political Decentralization: The transfer of governance powers from central to subnational levels of government.
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Local Council Administration: The governing body responsible for local decision-making and service delivery in an LGA.
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Governance: The processes and systems through which public policies and services are implemented and managed at the local level.
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