E-GOVERNANCE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY IN SERVICE DELIVERY: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED LGAS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The growing demand for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public administration has positioned e-governance as a critical tool for improving service delivery, particularly at the grassroots level. This study examines the impact of e-governance adoption on local government efficiency in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Southwest Nigeria. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from 300 respondents, including local government officials, ICT officers, and citizens, complemented by key informant interviews and document analysis of digital platforms. E-governance was operationalized through tools such as online tax systems, e-record management, digital complaint platforms, and e-budgeting dashboards, while service delivery efficiency was measured in terms of responsiveness, transparency, and citizen satisfaction. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings reveal that e-governance adoption significantly improves service delivery efficiency (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), particularly in reducing processing time and enhancing transparency. However, infrastructural deficits, low digital literacy, and institutional resistance limit its full potential. The study concludes that e-governance is a critical enabler of local government reform but requires strategic investment and capacity building to achieve sustainable impact. It recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing staff training, and promoting citizen engagement through inclusive digital platforms. The study contributes to advancing empirical knowledge on e-governance at the grassroots level and provides policy-relevant insights for improving local government performance in Nigeria and similar contexts.