ASSESSING THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM GASHAKA LGA

This study aims to investigate the relationship between local government autonomy and grassroots development in Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State. The objectives are: (i) to assess the impact of local government autonomy on the implementation of grassroots development programs; (ii) to examine the role of financial autonomy in facilitating effective service delivery and infrastructure development; (iii) to evaluate the level of citizen participation and transparency in local decision-making processes; and (iv) to explore the challenges hindering the effective execution of autonomy in Gashaka LGA. Guided by the General Systems Theory, which emphasizes the interdependence and interaction of subsystems within a broader political system, the study views local governments as essential subsystems that require adequate inputs (resources, autonomy, support) to function effectively and maintain systemic stability. When these inputs are insufficient, instability and citizen dissatisfaction may ensue. A survey research design was adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to 399 participants. Descriptive statistics and simple percentages were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that the current state of local government autonomy has no significant impact on the successful implementation of grassroots development initiatives in Gashaka. However, the study underscores that local government autonomy remains a pivotal factor for sustainable grassroots development in Nigeria. Despite progress, systemic challenges continue to impede full realization. The study recommends that Gashaka LGA should prioritize strategies for local revenue generation, such as enhanced tax collection, investment in local resources, and support for local businesses, to foster sustainable development and stronger autonomy.