Reforming the Nigerian Civil Service:: Embracing "Oruobodo" for Effective Governance

Abstract

This critical review is determined to make available a thorough analysis of the civil service reforms implemented in Nigeria and assessing their implications in governance. This study seeks to ascertain the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with various reforms using secondary source of data. Two theories were used to form theoretical frameworks which provided a comprehensive understanding of the Nigerian civil service reforms and their implications in governance: the Institutional Theory and the Governance Theory. Findings reveals that poor application of the federal character principle, corruption, overstaffing, poorly incentivized workforce, poor infrastructure and lack of accountability in the Nigerian Civil Service persist since past six decades. Furthermore, the mind set of viewing civil service as Oru Bekee (government work) has a negative effect in the activities and performance of an average civil servant. To this end, the paper suggests that there is need for government to adopt a multi-faceted approaches like engaging with stakeholders such as; civil society organizations and the organized private sector. Secondly, increase the investment in human capital development to ensure that they possess the requisite skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively with the help of cutting edge technology and state of arts equipment that reduces human interface to curb unethical practices. Finally, prioritize implementation of policies and employing mechanisms that promote transparency and accountability which likely will change the mind set of workers by accepting his or her duty as community service (Oru Obodo) and not government service (Oru Bekee).