Abstract
This study, titled Role of Local Government in the Administration of Social Amenities in Adamawa State, examined the contributions of local governments to the provision and management of social amenities, the challenges affecting their performance, and measures for improving grassroots service delivery. The study was anchored on the Decentralization Theory, which emphasizes the transfer of political, administrative, and fiscal responsibilities to local governments to enhance governance and service delivery. A descriptive research design was adopted, and the study relied exclusively on secondary data obtained from textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, constitutional provisions, official reports, and other relevant documentary sources. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed that local governments play significant roles in the provision and maintenance of rural roads, primary healthcare centres, water supply facilities, markets, sanitation services, and other community infrastructure. However, their effectiveness is constrained by inadequate funding, weak administrative capacity, political interference, poor accountability, insecurity, and limited community participation. The study concluded that although local governments remain indispensable to grassroots development in Adamawa State, strengthening their financial autonomy, institutional capacity, and governance practices is essential for improved service delivery. Consequently, the study recommended timely release of statutory allocations, enhanced transparency and accountability, reduced political interference, greater community participation, and continuous capacity building for local government personnel to ensure sustainable administration of social amenities.