EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A POLICY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This research assesses the impact of local government reforms on the delivery of services in Southwest Nigeria by examining policy outcomes, stakeholder perception, and challenges of implementation. Mixed-methods research framed the study by bringing together quantitative surveys (n = 400, calculated through Yamane's formula) and qualitative interviews within twelve purposively sampled Lagos State's and Oyo/Ogun/Osun/Ondo/Ekiti States' chosen Local Government Areas (LGAs) to gain an in-depth perspective. A questionnaire on the Likert scale of 4 captured staff and citizen perception, and interviews among policymakers, civil society leaders, and citizens unearthed contextual information. Quantitative data analysis occurred through descriptive and inferential statistical measures (SPSS), and the qualitative evidence underwent thematic analysis. Modest gains occurred within healthcare and sanitation delivery and deterioration within education and accountability reforms. Regression analysis established fiscal decentralization (β = .325, p < .01) and administrative restructuring (β = .241, p < .01) to enhance improved service delivery with citizen participation reforms also significant. Main challenges remain the lack of funding among other political interferences and institutional incapacity along with low involvement among citizens. Furthermore, the perception on reforms is more positive among policymakers and staff compared to citizens to indicate the perception gap between institutional agents and users. Recommendations emanate to enhance fiscal autonomy and digital accountability platforms with increased voice on governance through the voice among the partnership between civil society and private sector actors aimed at closing the capacity and the resource gap. This research yields the policy impact study aggregating statistical outcomes with the experience among the various stakeholders to submit evidence-informing recommendations to ensure the convergence between the local government reforms and the delivery of services to citizens within the Niger delta region and other developing democracies.