The Impact of Poor Records Management Practices on Service Delivery and Accountability in Local Government Councils (LGCs) in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of inadequate records management systems—including filing, retrieval, archiving, and security—on service delivery and accountability in selected Local Government Councils (LGCs) in Oyo State, Nigeria. The research adopts a qualitative case study design across three LGCs—Ibadan North, Oyo, and Saki West. Document analysis, structured observations, and semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, including records officers, administrators, and service users, were used to collect data. Findings reveal that reliance on paper-based systems, poor storage conditions, and lack of standardized procedures result in prolonged delays—averaging 3–6 weeks instead of the mandated 7 days—with 40% of citizens reporting misplaced documents and 60% admitting to paying unofficial fees for expedited services. Weak audit trails and insufficient oversight further undermine transparency and enable bureaucratic discretion. Poor record management is not only an administrative flaw; it is also a systemic governance challenge. It stresses the urgent need to reform such as the digitization of records, staff training on modern information management, and strengthened accountability mechanisms. The LGCs can enhance efficiency, reduce corruption risks, and rebuild public trust— key steps toward strengthening grassroots governance in Nigeria.