Title: Resource Constraints And Local Government Developmental Goals In Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: SALIFU Akoji Anthony; ALAKA Godswin; COLE Ronald Lionel; UGHENI Prudence Ofeoritse & ODITA Anthony Ogomegbunam
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 12-28
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This study examined the impact of resource constraints on local government developmental goals in Delta State, Nigeria. The resource constraints was proxied with financial constraints (FC), human resource constraints (HRC), institutional and policy constraints (IPC), and infrastructure and technological constraints (ITC) on local government developmental goals (LGDG) in Delta State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 310 respondents drawn from 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including administrators, financial officers, human resource managers, policymakers, and community stakeholders. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to ensure fair representation, and a structured questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. Validity and reliability were established through expert reviews, pilot testing, and Cronbach's Alpha test, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression in SPSS Version 23. The findings reveal that FC (B = .319, p = .000), HRC (B = .268, p = .001), and IPC (B = .202, p = .002) all have significant positive effects on LGDG, indicating that increased resource availability in these domains enhances development outcomes. However, ITC (B = -.148, p = .023) exhibited a significant negative impact, suggesting that infrastructural and technological deficiencies hinder local development. The study concludes that while improvements in financial, human, and institutional resources promote local government effectiveness, infrastructural and technological gaps must be urgently addressed to sustain development progress. Recommendations include enhancing financial transparency, improving staff capacity, streamlining institutional processes, and investing in digital infrastructure. The study contributes to public administration literature by providing region-specific, empirical insights into the role of resource constraints in subnational development and suggests directions for further research in related areas.