THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN NIGERIA

The study was on the role of local government on Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria . A case study of Uyo Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State. The study was aimed at identifying poverty alleviation strategies and programmes at local government; to assess the impact of these strategies and programmes on poverty alleviation and to identifying problems confronting local government strategies and programmes in poverty reduction. In administering data, the random sampling method was used, and the main research instrument was questionnaire for data collection. The study employs descriptive, investigative and analytical approach by using descriptive statistical tools (means and simple percentages) and the hypotheses was tested using chi-square (X2). It was discovered that local government plays a vital role by adopting strategies and programmes of poverty alleviation, and there is significant relations between problems confronting local government strategies and programmes and poverty alleviation. In conclusion, it is quite necessary to formulate policies and programmes guided by the constitution to counter poverty through meaningful developmental strategies. It is therefore recommended among others that the governments under its programmes should include plans for creating jobs, provision of basic amenities, strengthening the skill base, protecting the vulnerable; and there is need to alleviate corruption of which the anti-corruption agencies should be revitalized for them to be active again.