An Analysis of Citizen Engagement and Participation in Local Government Processes

Abstract

Citizen engagement in local government processes is vital for promoting participatory democracy and improving governance outcomes. This study investigates the mechanisms that enhance citizen engagement and participation in local government processes. The research utilizes a questionnaire administered among residents in selected Wards in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, with a final sample size of 437 respondents. PLS-SEM was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that community development, information, and communication technology (ICT), participatory budgeting, and public consultation have positive and significant relationships with citizen engagement in local government processes. However, the relationship between capacity building and citizen engagement is weak and non-significant. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the mechanisms that facilitate citizen engagement in local government administration. The findings have implications for theory and practice, highlighting the importance of community mobilization, ICT utilization, participatory budgeting, and public consultation in fostering citizen participation and improving local governance outcomes.