MAJOR ACTORS IN DECISION MAKING AT THE STATE LEVEL IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The study examined the major actors in decision making at the state level; analyzed the factors that influence decision making; assessed the performance of government in relation to decision made and identified the challenges facing decision making at the state level in Nigeria.  Major research instruments employed for the study were primary and secondary data. The study population comprised of 150 respondents from Oyo, Osun and Ondo states who were available and willing to participate in the study. The three states were randomly selected from the six states of the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The finding from the study revealed that the major actors of decision making are - the executive, the legislature, as well as top management staff of the ministries; and that these actors influenced decision making. The study further revealed that most of the decisions made were not implemented; and identified corruption, favoritism, bad leadership, change in government and lack of political will as some of the challenges facing decision making at the state level. The study concluded that most of the decisions at the state level were predetermined and mere acting, and the non-implementation of these decisions is one of the reasons for the low development and advancement of Nigerians and Nigeria.