PUBLIC SERVICE EFFICIENCY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper focused on a descriptive analysis of efficiency in public service and its effects on the development of Nigeria. The public service was seen as the “totality of services that are organized under government authority and serves as the driver of the economy since it serves to formulate and implement policies for macroeconomic management of the economy. Efficiency in this regard is how the public service combines its inputs for production in such a way as to obtain the best possible outcomes which enhance overall economic development. . Economic Development was reviewed from the viewpoint of the rate of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Some factors adversely affecting the efficiency of the public service were identified as poor management, poor remuneration of public servants, poor work attitude, financial mismanagement/corruption, obsolete working tools, poor funding, political interference, and policy summersault. The paper recommends regular re-orientation of public servants on the dangers of corruption and severe punishment for corrupt officers irrespective of tribe, status, or relationship with those in the top echelon of leadership and an incentive-based public service as some measures to ensure public service efficiency for national development.