Adhering to Principles of Good Governance as a Panacea for Rising Performance of Local Government in Nigeria

The paper aims to improve the local government’s performance by adhering to the principles of good governance. Nigeria has experienced several underperforming local government systems. This led to various reforms of the local government system and increased funding for local governments. Despite this, local governments in Nigeria continue to underperform in improving the people’s welfare. The paper relied on secondary data. Using Democratic-Participatory Theory (DPT). The paper emphasises that the performance of local governments in Nigeria can be improved only by adhering to the principles of good governance, which comprises three interrelated elements including accountability, transparency and citizens’ participation in the affairs of local government administration. This becomes imperative because citizens’ participation enhances accountability, which depends on how transparent and prudent local government officials are in managing public funds. The paper suggested that local people should be mobilised and educated to participate in their own affairs to improve governance. Above all, resources should be equitably distributed. The paper also recommended the strengthening of institutions established to fight corruption. Above all, the system of local government should be operated democratically.