Nigeria Civil Service Reforms Since Independence Till Date..
ABSTRACT
This write up will critically access Nigeria's experience with civil service reforms from independence till date. It first highlights civil service reform programs attempted by various pre and post-independence Nigerian governments. Within this context I will addresses key issues, challenges, and factors that impeded implementation of previous civil service reform programs. Next, I will explore future policy directions for enhancing the design and implementation of a sustainable civil service reform program. I will conclude by recapitulating the key policy reform measures essential for bringing about a sustainable civil service process and improving the future effectiveness and performance of the civil service.
INTRODUCTION
Civil service plays a vital role in formulation, implementation, evaluation, and review of government policies and programs. Civil service reform provides an enabling environment for civil servants to perform their duties in an unfettered manner, fair treatment of personnel, and establishment of a demographically representative apparatus. The main purpose of civil service reform whether before or after independence is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and thereby increasing its capacity to promote economic and social development to meet the needs and aspirations of all citizens (Corkery, 1995). Moreover, a competent and motivated civil service is a prerequisite for maintenance of good governance, production and distribution of public goods and services, fiscal management and sustainability, and efficient and effective performance of government. Ideally, civil service reform should focus on creating a government workforce with the size, skills, culture and accountability necessary for delivering quality public services and perform vital governmental functions. In Nigeria, as in most countries in Africa, the civil service deteriorated in capability, integrity, and morale in the past three decades.
This write up will critically access Nigeria's experience with civil service reforms from independence till date. It first highlights civil service reform programs attempted by various pre and post-independence Nigerian governments. Within this context I will addresses key issues, challenges, and factors that impeded implementation of previous civil service reform programs. Next, I will explore future policy directions for enhancing the design and implementation of a sustainable civil service reform program. I will conclude by recapitulating the key policy reform measures essential for bringing about a sustainable civil service process and improving the future effectiveness and performance of the civil service.
INTRODUCTION
Civil service plays a vital role in formulation, implementation, evaluation, and review of government policies and programs. Civil service reform provides an enabling environment for civil servants to perform their duties in an unfettered manner, fair treatment of personnel, and establishment of a demographically representative apparatus. The main purpose of civil service reform whether before or after independence is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and thereby increasing its capacity to promote economic and social development to meet the needs and aspirations of all citizens (Corkery, 1995). Moreover, a competent and motivated civil service is a prerequisite for maintenance of good governance, production and distribution of public goods and services, fiscal management and sustainability, and efficient and effective performance of government. Ideally, civil service reform should focus on creating a government workforce with the size, skills, culture and accountability necessary for delivering quality public services and perform vital governmental functions. In Nigeria, as in most countries in Africa, the civil service deteriorated in capability, integrity, and morale in the past three decades.
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