| Abstract [eng] |
Decentralization has shaped public service delivery and local self-government structures as most states have transformed power, resources and responsibilities to authorities on their sub-national level and it has aided a more equitable distribution of public services and increased citizen’s participation. It has been proved that decentralization had a positive impact in strengthening local self-government administration although limitations were experienced as a result of a lack of capacity in terms of technical expertise and good infrastructure. This study investigates the impact of decentralization reforms on public service delivery at local self-government, taking Lithuania and Nigeria as research cases. In achieving the aim of the study, certain objectives were set out which include the examination of scientific literature on the decentralization and public service concepts. The analysis of countries strategies and law documents on decentralization reforms at local self- government in Lithuania and Nigeria, and to identify mainstreams in changes, strengths and challenges faced by Lithuanian and Nigerian local self-governments of better service delivery in the context of decentralization. Furthermore, in the context of research results and taking in the ground the best practices of two countries, to present possible trends for improvement of better public services delivery at local self-government in the two countries. The research methods include literature analysis, law basis analysis, strategies and documents analysis, and data analysis and interpretation. The results show that there are adequate legal provisions for effective decentralization at the local self-government. While local authorities in Lithuania have capacity in political autonomy, organizational autonomy, financial transfer system, and internally generated revenue, the same cannot be said of Nigeria where local authorities do not have real autonomy. They often wait for higher tiers of government for decisions, activities and funding which often impede effective service delivery. Improvement is therefore needed for improved service delivery in Lithuania and Nigeria. |
