Identity Crisis Among Nigerian Public Administrators

The article explores the complexities of identity and self-worth among public administrators in Nigeria, particularly in the post-colonial context. It discusses how public servants embody the state and are perceived as failures due to the inability of the Nigerian state to provide essential services like electricity, roads, and healthcare.

This perception leads to a significant disconnect between public servants and the citizens they serve, resulting in a lack of trust in government institutions. The article highlights two key psychological issues faced by public servants: cognitive dissonance stemming from the aspiration to serve a community amidst public distrust, and internal shame that diminishes their sense of self-worth.

The structural tensions within the public service system, influenced by traditional bureaucratic models, exacerbate these challenges, leading to a decline in institutional efficiency and public trust.