ASSESSING THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

This study assesses the role of local government in community development with specific focus on Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Local government is the closest tier of government to the people and is constitutionally mandated to drive grassroots development through provision of basic services, infrastructure, and mobilization of community participation. Despite this mandate, challenges such as inadequate financial resources, frequent leadership changes, lack of continuity in projects, inexperienced personnel, and mismanagement of resources continue to hinder effective performance. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 55 staff of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, of which 50 were retrieved and analyzed using simple percentages. Findings reveal a strong relationship exists between local government and community communities, yet the relationship is largely ineffective in improving living standards. While local government officials are aware of their developmental roles, performance remains poor. Respondents identified lack of experienced leadership and discontinuity of projects as major constraints, despite availability of funds. The study also found that grassroots populations are willing to assist in development efforts, with food supply and security considered the most preferred intervention method. The study concludes that local governments must strengthen effectiveness, ensure project continuity, and prioritize experienced leadership to enhance community development. Recommendations include improved funding utilization, enhanced accountability, community participation, and adoption of sustainable strategies to address rural needs in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.