2025-03-27https://repository.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/handle/123456789/32760The central thesis or argument of this paper is that the performance of local governments in Nigeria, especially in the fourth republic can be interrogated through the Efficiency Services theory. The kernel of this theory is that local government acts as an efficient agent for providing services that are local in character. Through a heavy reliance on secondary data backed by practical observation and analytical framework, the paper observed that the leading personnel, policy outcomes and political/administrative environments of local government administration in Nigeria (within the period of study) portrayed them as failed institutions. The paper canvassed the need for synergy and collaborative approach to community development and reform initiatives anchored on “theory to practice” policy inclinationapplication/pdfJA Political science (General), JZ International relationsArticle