THE PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE POST SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY: A STUDY OF SAGAMU LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Abstract
This study investigates the performance of Sagamu Local Government in Ogun State,
Nigeria, following the Supreme Court's July 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to local
governments by abolishing the state-local joint account system. The research aims to evaluate
the extent of autonomy implementation, assess its impact on service delivery and governance,
and identify challenges hindering effective utilization. Employing a descriptive survey
design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 163 staff members (from a
sample of 194, drawn from a population of 378) and analyzed using SPSS version 25 with
descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential (Pearson correlation, Chi
square) statistics. Findings reveal partial autonomy implementation, with direct funding
enabling modest improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, yet constrained
by state interference, corruption, skill shortages, and low community engagement. Statistical
analysis confirmed a significant relationship between autonomy and performance, with
institutional barriers impeding progress. While the ruling provides a legal framework for
enhanced governance, its practical impact in Sagamu remains limited by structural and
political challenges, necessitating comprehensive reforms. Recommendations include
enforcing direct allocations, enhancing staff capacity through training, institutionalizing anti
corruption measures, and promoting community engagement and public-private partnerships
to optimize grassroots development outcomes. This study contributes to understanding
judicial interventions in strengthening local governance within Nigeria’s federal structure.
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