Project Materials

NEED FOR EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL PROCUREMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Chapter one

Introduction

Local government is the level of government closest to the people. Local municipalities provide many basic services, and local ward councillors are the most accessible politicians to communities. Organisations that play an activist and/or development role should understand how local governments do procurement and how to influence it.

Despite the fact that purchasing is a relatively new profession in the realm of management, the winds of change are blowing in purchase and supply, according to Baily (1987).

However, purchasing and supply is an important function in almost every organisation, from the private household to the federal, state, and local governments, as well as industry, as the number of companies/industries seeking to increase their purchases of new materials is directed to departments that specialise in it as well as departments that use it.

1.1 Background of the Study

Owerri North is a local government area in Imo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1998 under the reign of General Sanni Abacha. This was the result of the late Eze (Dr) Onu Egwunwoke’s request for the formation of Uratta L.G.A., with headquarters at Ori-Uratta.

It has an area of 198 square kilometres and had a population of 175,395 according to the 2005 census. The postal code for the area is 460. However, because the Emekuku/Emii and Alaenyi blocs’ request to form another local government was not granted, they were merged into the proposed Uratta L.G.A, resulting in the name being changed to Owerri North L.G.A to match the new configuration.

The inclusion of the Obube, Agbala, Ulakwo, and Obibiezena blocs was later considered because they were not recognised by Ngor Okpala L.G.A. Owerri North L.G.A. is home to nineteen (19) autonomous communities, each with its own traditional ruler.

HRH Eze L.O Onyeneke, Olele II of Agbala leads the Agbala independent community. Akwakuma and Amakohia are autonomous communities. Awaka autonomous community

– HRH Dr. D.A Osuagwu, Ezekoche II of Awaka HRH Eze Anthony C. Egbujor, Atuogu, Ezeudo 1 of Azaraubo (late) Egbu autonomous community – HRH Eze Felix N.O Egbukole, Ochoromma IV of Egbu.