Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
Development is a sine qua non for modern civilization. In a crusade and struggle to carryout development at all nooks and crannies of the society, the local government as the tier of government that is nearest to the people is saddled with the responsibility of direct development of the people to a certain level.
Development is highly associated with fund, much revenue is needed to plan, execute and maintain infrastructures and facilities at the local government level. The needed revenue generated for such developmental projects. Like construction of accessible roads, building of public schools, health care centers, construction of bridges among others are soles generated from taxes, royalties, haulages, fines and grants from states, national and international governments.
Thus, the Local government cannot embark, execute and possibly carryout the maintenance of these projects and other responsibilities without adequate revenue generation.
This is the basic reason why development is skeletal at some Local Government councils in Nigeria. The issue of revenue generation is not exceptional to local government in Abia State. This has been one of the problems encountered by Umuahia North Local Government.
This however pronouncedly affected development negatively in local government councils. In this research project, the issue to address is how far revenue generation and utilization can affect the development of local government areas especially in Umuahia North Local Government.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
The Local Government Council take direct care of the grassroots people, that is the people in the rural areas. This group of people sometimes lack essential facilities and condition of modern civilization. They lack pipe bore water to drink, do not have electricity, accessible roads, poor educational infrastructure and facilities to mention but a few.
This is one of the major reasons of rural − urban migration of movement. This has made our cities to be congested and increase in many criminal activities. Based on the above and foregoing assertions, it is obivious that revenue generation and utilization of the rural area is a serious problem. This might be as a result of low revenue generation. If Nigeria is to achieve her desired goal of vision 2020 and possibly meet the millennium development goals (MDGS) target, the issue of revenue generation must be addressed squarely.
Hence the researcher is bothered to find out the impact of revenue generation and utilization on the lives of people at the rural area and how it has affected development in general especially in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
1.3 Purpose/Objective Of The Study
The broad objective of the research is to evaluate the revenue generation and utilization of Umuahia North in Abia State.
The other objective of this study includes:
- To determine the level of modern social amenities available in Umuahia North.
- To find out the level of poverty associated with the rural people as a result of slow development
- To find out the degree of rural-urban migration.
- To make useful suggestions to solve the problem of low revenue generation as development depends on revenue generated.
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the impacts of low revenue generation on the development of Umuahia North?
- Are there adequate modern social amenities in Umuahia North?
- Is the poverty level of the rural people high has a result of slow development?
- Has low revenue generation in Umuahia North contributed to rural-urban migration?
- How can revenue generation in Umuahia North be improved?
1.5 Significance Of The Study
The significance of any human endeavour is measured by its relevance to solving human problems. The findings of this study would help Umuahia North Local Government to identify the problems associated with revenue generation and its consequences on development.
…
