Local and Community Driven Development approach in the provision of basic facilities in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Over the last decade, the government of Nigeria has introduced the concept of Local and Community Driven Development (LCDD) in the provision of physical and social infrastructure. The LCDD approach is adopted in Nigeria as a response strategy for tackling infrastructural deficiency in slum settlements. The use of this approach is becoming increasingly popular in Nigerian cities but there is limited empirical research to examine the key issues that influence project outcomes at the local level. This study fills this gap by presenting a case study from the experience of implementing physical and social infrastructure projects in the city of Jos. The project research adopts a case study strategy to examine the financial and administrative arrangement for the implementation of infrastructure projects. Primary data was collected through interviews with officers selected from the institutions that play relevant roles in urban development and housing provision in Jos. The interview data was then examined alongside the secondary source material collected. The findings suggest that: the decentralisation of administrative roles from central to local level impacted positively on the implementation of projects; the partnership between government and International Development Agencies promoted success in the funding of projects; and it is the political endorsement of the partnerships that gives the LCDD approach some legitimacy in Jos. However, the local bureaucratic system in Jos is side-lined in favour of newly created autonomous implementation agencies and the indigenous financial institutions are not involved. These flaws appear to create redundancy in the existing bureaucratic system and also threaten the sustainability of the LCDD in Jos. On the basis of these findings, recommendations for improvement are made.