Nigeria's Public Sector Work Ethics and Performance Issues

Uddin Ifeanyi's article reflects on nearly thirty years of work organization in Nigeria's private sector, contrasting it with the federal civil service's performance over the past seven years under the Buhari administration. It notes that there has been no senior staff retreat or strategic session in the civil service for thirty years, and emphasizes the absence of clear performance indicators (KPIs) attached to job functions.

The article argues that the public sector suffers from underperformance due to inadequate measurement of results, which hampers career progression for middle staff. It suggests that infusing private sector work ethics into public service could improve local economic performance.

The author critiques the reliance on external consulting firms and awards, stating that they do not address the core issues of performance measurement and management within the civil service. The piece concludes by asserting that without addressing these fundamental problems, the public sector will continue to struggle with efficiency and effectiveness.