An Assessment of the Challenges of Decentralization on Local Governance in Nigeria

This study examines the challenges of decentralization on local governance in Nigeria with a specific focus on Gombe Local Government Area. Decentralization is globally promoted as a means of deepening democracy, enhancing accountability, and improving service delivery at the grassroots. Using Good Governance Theory as the guiding framework, the study investigates how political interference, inadequate funding, and corruption limit the autonomy and effectiveness of local governments. A descriptive survey research design is adopted, targeting elected officials, civil servants, community leaders, civil society actors, and residents. Data collection relies on structured questionnaires and interviews, with a sample size determined through stratified and multi-stage sampling techniques. The findings reveal that excessive political interference by state authorities undermines local government autonomy, particularly through imposed caretaker committees, manipulated electoral processes, and restrictions on budgetary decisions. Fiscal dependency, largely due to the State Joint Local Government Account, further weakens financial independence and stifles development planning. Corruption and mismanagement, manifested in practices such as ghost workers, inflated contracts, and abandoned projects, erode institutional credibility, diminish service delivery, and undermine public trust in grassroots governance. The study concludes that decentralization in Nigeria remains largely symbolic, with limited practical impact on grassroots governance. Based on these findings, the study recommends constitutional reforms to guarantee direct funding to local governments, institutionalized accountability mechanisms, enhanced citizen participation, and targeted capacity building. Strengthening these areas is essential to transforming decentralization into a viable pathway for inclusive development and democratic consolidation