Revenue Generation And Rural Development In Nigeria: The Case Of Makurdi Local Government Area Of Benue State
Abdulrahman Adamu
Department of Political Science, Federal University, Gusau, Nigeria
Ochoga .E. Ochoga
Department of Political Science, Federal University, Lokoja, Nigeria
Keywords: Revenue Generation, Rural Development, Internal Sources, External Sources
Abstract
This paper interrogates the nexus between revenue generation and rural development in Nigeria with particular reference to Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The essence is to specifically ascertain the extent to which the utilization of revenue generation has impacted on rural development in the local government area. While questionnaires were used to get opinion of the rural dwellers on the problematic, both quantitative and qualitative data were sourced from sources. Based on the findings, Makurdi Local Government has both external and internal sources of revenue. The findings suggest that internal revenue generation in the local government is low due to negligence on the part of revenue collectors and lack of financial autonomy. And above all, the fieldwork conducted during the study revealed that the local government had little or no impact in the area of rural development. There were no visible projects initiated and completely implemented by Makurdi local government council during the period under study. Thus, it recommends that there is the need to employ and involve the service of higher ranking officers in financial management of Makurdi local government. There is also the need for proper re-orientation and training of low-ranking officers. The orientation of revenue officers of the local government will build in them a high sense of challenge, importance and achievement.