Evidence-based Policy Making and Administrative Effectiveness in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kogi-East Senatorial District

Abstract

This study examines the impact of evidence-based policy making (EBP) on administrative effectiveness across the nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kogi East Senatorial District, in Kogi State, Nigeria. Utilizing a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, quantitative data was collected via questionnaires from 104 elected and appointed officials. The analysis reveals a strong, statistically significant positive relationship between EBP and administrative effectiveness (r = 0.768, p < 0.01), with EBP explaining 59% of the variance in effectiveness. However, the overall level of evidence-based practice remains low-moderate (M=2.80/5.00), characterized by a heavy reliance on community feedback over formal academic research. A critical finding is that institutional capacity significantly moderates this relationship; severe constraints in financial resources and technological infrastructure fundamentally limit EBP adoption. The study concludes that a context-specific "local governance evidence model" is essential, prioritizing the strengthening of community engagement mechanisms and foundational institutional capacities over importing Western-centric, academic-heavy EBP frameworks. Recommendations include investing in appropriate technology, tailored capacity building, and strategies to bridge the gap between community knowledge and formal research.