1.0 Introduction / Background of 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 poor revenue generation is not exceptional to local government in Abia State. This has been one of the problems encountered by Umuahia North Local Government.
1.1 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 oblivious that the impact of poor revenue generation on the development of the rural area is a serious problem. This might be as a result of poor 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 poor revenue generation on the lives of people at the rural area and how it has affected development in general especially in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
1.1.1 Research Questions
- What are the impacts of poor 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 poor development?
- Has poor revenue generation in Umuahia North contributed to rural-urban migration?
- How can revenue generation in Umuahia North be improved?
1.1.2 Objective of the Study
The broad objective of the research is to evaluate the impact created by poor revenue generation on the development 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 poor development
- To find out the degree of rural-urban migration.
- To make useful suggestions to solve the problem of poor revenue generation as development depends on revenue generated.
1.2 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.
1.3 Definition of Terms
Some concepts require proper explanation to enhance our understanding of theme where necessary opinion of scholars will be cited to explain the terms. The researcher will also give some fundamental definition of terms.
Local Government
According to Lawal (2000) Local Government as a political sub-division of a nation in Federal system which is constituted by law and has substantial control of local affairs which includes the power to impose taxes or exact labor for prescribed purpose.
According to William Robson (2006) Defined Local Government as involving the conception of territorial, non-sovereign community possessing the legal right and the necessary organization to regulate its own affairs.
Revenue
Public revenue could be defined as the funds generated by the government to finance its activities. In other words revenue is the total fund generated by government (Federal, state, local government/ to meet their expenditure for a fiscal year.
This refers also to the grand total of money of income received from the source of which expenses are incurred. Revenue could be internal or external revenue.
Generation
This is the process of sourcing revenue for the local government in carryout their aim and objectives.
Expenditure
Public expenditure refers to the expenses which the government incurs for its own maintenance, in the interest of the society and the economy in order to help other countries.
Tax
Tax can be defined as a compulsory levy by government on goods, services, income and wealth. It provides definite source of revenue for government expenditure. (Udeh O.S. 2008).
It is the way by which government obtain extra money. It spent from income of individual and companies. Tax could be direct or indirect tax. A tax is a payment made by the taxpayers and used by the government for the benefits of all the citizens.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion means illegal reduction in one's tax liabilities, thereby paying less than the appropriate amounts and not paying at all.
Tax Avoidance
Tax avoidance is the act of streamlining one's financial affairs within the law so as to minimize the tax liabilities.
Development
According to Ake (2001) Development is thus the process by which people create and recreate themselves and their life circumstances to realize higher levels of civilization in accordance with their own choice and values.
It also a type of social change in which new ideas are introduces into a society in order to produce higher per-capital income and levels of living through more modern production methods and improved social organization.
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