Influence of Local Government Management on Service Delivery in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of government management on service delivery in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent challenges of poor service delivery at the grassroots level despite increased government funding and policy interventions. Specifically, the study focused on assessing the effect of government management on education, healthcare and infrastructure service delivery. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, incorporating both qualitative approaches. Data were collected from a sample 300 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The primary instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed on a four-point likert scale. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics, chi-square (X2) and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that government management has a significant influence on service delivery in Ado Local Government Area. The chi-square results showed that government management significantly affects education (x2 = 60.00), healthcare (x2 = 51.32), and infrastructure (x2 = 44.66) service delivery at 0.05 level of significance. Regression analysis further indicated that government management accounts for 52% of variations in service delivery outcomes (R2 = 0.520), with education having the highest impact, followed by healthcare and infrastructure. The study concluded that poor management practices, including lack of transparency, corruption, political interference and weak accountability for adequate service delivery in Ado LGA . the study recommends strengthening transparency and accountability systems, improving resource management, enhancing capacity building for local government officials and promoting citizen participation in governance. In conclusion, effective government management is essential for improving service delivery and achieving sustainable development at the local government level in Nigeria.