State Joint Local Government Account and Rural Development in Ebonyi State: The Imperative of Local Government Financial Autonomy.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the State-Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) and rural development in selected local government areas of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between SJLGA and the provision of pipe-borne water, construction of feeder roads, and provision of healthcare facilities. The study adopted Fiscal Federalism Theory, as its theoretical framework. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with a population of 1,482,900 and a sample size of 400 determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with SPSS version 21. Findings revealed that the operation of SJLGA had not significantly improved access to pipe-borne water, feeder roads, and healthcare facilities in the selected local government areas. Consequently, the study concluded that the operation of SJLGA undermined rural development efforts in Ebonyi State. It recommended constitutional review to abolish the joint account system and grant local governments’ direct access to their statutory allocations to enhance financial autonomy and effective service delivery to the people.