FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Development since the creation of man has been the desire of mankind and every nation. To achieve this, many strategies and policies have been set on motion to actualize it. The quest for this gave birth to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)by the United Nations which was later replaced by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this, many measures have been established including local governments. Despite local government reforms and many strategies to assist local governments in achieving SDGs in Nigeria, many challenges have been frustrating the effort. This necessitated the need to identify these challenges. The efficiency-services theory was used as the theoretical framework for the work and factors like poor financial base, limited autonomy, unsteady administrative structure, unqualified staff, corruption, etc. were identified as factors militating against local government in achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. Possible recommendations like giving financial autonomy to local governments, employment of staff based on meritocracy, specifying the roles of local government, proper accountability and transparency, appointment of leaders based on merit, etc. were also given. The application of these recommendations will help reposition and empower local government towards achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria before 2030 deadline.