THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAX ADMINISTRATION AND PRIMARY HEALTHCARE FINANCING IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

Abstract

The study examined the role of local government tax administration and primary healthcare financing in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The objectives of the study include the following: to examine whether local government tax administrative system promotes primary healthcare financing in Oredo local government area, and to examine the factors hindering effective tax administration towards sustainable primary healthcare financing in Oredo local government area. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study included the total number of persons living in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State which according to the National Population Commission (2022) as projected is 553,300. In order to investigate the role of local government tax administration and primary healthcare financing in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, a total of 600 persons will be randomly surveyed. The field survey employs the use of cluster random sampling, which grouped the targeted population into the ten (12) wards in the local government area. Therefore, 50 respondents comprising both male and female of voting age were selected from each ward which sum up to 600 respondents. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire which was administered to the study sampled respondents. The data collected were presented quantitatively using simple frequency tables, and simple percentage. The study discovered amongst others that tax revenues in Oredo Local Government Area are used for financing primary healthcare. It was also observed that health care facilities are provided by Oredo Local Government Council Area. The study also discovered that Oredo Local Government Council budgets annually on primary healthcare vitalization. Furthermore, the study recommends amongst others that, adequate monitoring and evaluation of funds allocated for primary healthcare financing should be encouraged in Oredo Local Government Area.