Abstract

Local government administration in Nigeria has witnessed significant changes. The core of the reforms and development was to provide and bring government closer to the people. No doubt, to achieve this, there is need for leaders with a visionary sense of direction, who are willing to carry out purposeful programmes for the benefit of the masses. These leaders must be willing to serve the people and selflessly put the people ahead in their administration. The study of administration in Nigeria has received commendable attention from scholars over the years and Idemili North Local Government Area is one of the local governments that has reforms and changes in administration. Just like any other local government, it has the capability to develop and benefit its citizens. This study deals with the administration of Idemili North Local Government Area from 1996-2010. Local government administration and its impact on the people is obviously a factor to reckon on with in the history of political administration in Nigeria. This is why a study of this nature is essential. Although the local government was created by the military in 1996, it was not until the start of civilian rule in 1999 that the core of its development process began. Such development in the local government has revolved around the key sectors of agriculture, human development, health, trade and transportation. This work thus is a contribution to the history of Nigerian government administration albeit of the grassroot level. By adopting both the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, this work examines the various facets of administration of Idemili North LGA as well as the efforts of various local chairmen at bringing development to the area. While narrating certain strides made by the administrators, it also examines the administrative deficiencies of these leaders as well as the factors that hindered full dividends of democracy in the local government. The study adopts inter disciplinary approach and relied on oral interviews, government documents, archival materials and relevant secondary text for information. In the end, the work provides a launching pad for assessing grassroot administration and development as well as opens up doors for further important but yet to be  studied areas of Idemili North LGA’s history.