THE EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN KOGI STATE: A CASE STUDY OF LOKOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Corruption remains a major constraint to effective governance andpublic service delivery in Nigeria, particularly at the local government level where accountability mechanisms are weak. This study examined the effects of corruption on local government administration in Lokoja Local Government Area ofKogi State, focusing on educational services, rural road provision, and primary healthcare delivery. Guided by Public Choice Theory and Institutional Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from 326 respondents comprising local government officials, community leaders, and service beneficiaries using a structured questionnaire, of which 294 were valid for analysis. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed. Findings revealed that corruption significantly undermines service delivery across the three sectors examined. In education, diversion of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds, bribery in teacher recruitment, and ghost workers were prominent challenges. Rural road provision was adversely affected by contract inflation, misappropriation of maintenance funds, and political interference, while primary healthcare delivery was compromised through diversion of drug procurement funds, ghost workers, mismanagement of equipment budgets, and unofficial patient charges. The study concludes that corruption is systemic in Lokoja Local Government Area and recommends strengthened institutional accountability, transparency, and citizen participation to improve grassroots service delivery.