ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF LOKOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA).

ABSTRACT This research project examines the Administrative Challenges Confronting Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. Despite constitutional provisions aimed at granting autonomy to local governments, various systemic and institutional obstacles continue to impede effective grassroots governance. The study explores key issues such as political interference by state governments, inadequate financial resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption. Through qualitative and quantitative data collection methods-including interviews with local government officials, analysis of government documents, and surveys of community members-the research highlights how these challenges undermine service delivery, development planning, and public accountability at the local level.Findings reveal that the lack of true administrative and fiscal autonomy has rendered local governments in Nigeria largely ineffective in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reforms that could strengthen local government autonomy, enhance administrative capacity, and promote democratic governance in the grassroots sector.