Local Government and Policy Implementation

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ABSTRACT

Policy implementation is the basic function of Local Governments and its essentiality is rarely overstated, hence this study have investigated local government and policy implementation in Anambra state (a study of idemili north) to make an inference. The study revealed the role of local government in policy implementation, and that Idemili south have a low rate of Policy implementation and the cause is highlighted in the challenges faced by Local Government such- Overbearing nature of the state government, Adequate funding among others, in summary- Policy Implementation is the means by which government do achieve whatever they achieved. The conclusion drawn in this research that the essentialities of Local Governments in Policy implementation, its importance to the citizens, even its ability to enhance or forestall Government and even private activities. Several recommend made includes Policy should be made in a feasible and achievable manner to avoid frustration and half done projects, Policy should be interpreted to ensure understanding, Local Government should given clear directives so that they will know what is really expected from them, etc. this study is worthwhile and necessary in Policy Implementation at the local Government Level.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The essence of local government is policy implementation, in country like Nigeria with diversity in culture, ethnicity and language the importance of local government cannot be overemphasis, it is the local government that relays the policies, programs and even the general activities of the federal or state government in a manner that the locals could understood, the local government are the mouthpiece of the government at the grassroots level. It expected of Idemili south (which a local government in Anambra State) to represent the federal and state government at grassroots level and essentially in policy implementation. The overall functions of local government are more or less implementation of policies. It is to this end that there came about local creation. There about 774 local governments in Nigeria saddle with constitutional, directives and conventional duties as legislated by the state in which it exist. If national policies are to be widely implemented the local governments are a vital means.

Getting policies implemented right is critically important. Failure can cause financial waste, political frustration and disruption for ordinary citizens, as demonstrated in a series of policy failures under governments of all parties. But while the literature on failure is considerable, there is a gap around practical accounts of how to make implementation effective in the distinctive context of government.

Local Government act of policy implementation has help in the following ways:

• Be clear about the problem: High-level policy goals need to be matched with analysis of what problem government is trying to tackle and used to make good judgments on where to focus attention.
• Work with the wider system: Policies are never implemented onto a blank canvas; they must compete for resources and attention with other national policies and local priorities – and can draw upon some of the assets that often already exist.
• Stay close to implementers: Bringing others into policymaking is important, but once implementation begins central government also needs to keep strong links with where change is happening to understand how policies are working in the real world.
• Stay focused: Continuity is an essential ingredient of effective implementation. All of our case studies involved implementing over a period of many years and these long time-spans introduce significant risk to achieving policy goals.

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