Administrative Constraints and Local Government Performance in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined administrative constraints and their influence on the performance of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. The research focused specifically on the use of caretaker committees and the lack of technical expertise among local government staff. The study was anchored on Institutional Theory and Human Capital Theory to explain how weak governance structures and inadequate human resource capacity affect administrative efficiency and service delivery. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 380 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including ANOVA, were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the use of caretaker committees has a significant impact by weakening accountability, continuity, and responsiveness to community needs. The study also found that inadequate professional expertise among staff contributes to poor financial management, weak project implementation, and ineffective service delivery. The study concludes that strengthening democratic governance and investing in staff capacity development are essential for improving local government performance.