BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRICIPLES OF THE NIGERIAN CIVIL/PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract

The paper reviewed the basic concepts and principles of the civil /public service and further discussed the extent to which these principles and concepts are adhered to by government and civil/public servants. Literature materials were sourced from Journals, Conference proceedings, bulletins, government documents, etc, they were thereafter reviewed and discussed. Basic principles and concepts such as neutrality, anonymity, service delivery, accountability, merit, loyalty, hierarchical system, Performance, impartiality, public interest, etc were highlighted. The review also tried to assess the levels of adherence or otherwise to each of these principles and concepts. It was concluded that the Nigerian civil/public service was founded on the above principles and concepts, but the levels of adherence are very low. Consequently, the civil service is corrupt and inefficient. It was recommended that the government should create an enabling environment for adherence to these concepts and principles. Civil/public service guiding documents such as the civil/ public service rules, financial instruction, and others should be strengthened and escalated. Constant reorientation programmes to positively change the thinking, perception, attitudes, and behavior of civil servants should be put in place.