THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

The study reviewed the challenges and prospects of civil service reforms in Nigeria’s fourth republic

since its inception on 29th May 1999 to 29th May 2025. The article assessed that the current civil

service faces daunting tasks in recruitment, remuneration, posting, discipline, training, and general

commitment to roles and duties in Nigeria; those necessitate the reviews. Mainly, secondary data

was utilised in the review. The need to review civil service reforms in Nigeria’s fourth republic is

important in updating the tasks and many more. The study explores the background of the civil

service from colonial to post-colonial administrations. Therefore, the content and context of the civil

service reforms as well as how it affects national development are described and measures of

improvement advocated. The paper further investigates and finds out that the challenge of

implementation of the reforms system is more difficult task than the processes of its making. Thus,

specifically after analysing the policy direction and implications of the reforms in the fourth republic

the new task is the new public administration that emphasis on staff motivation and professionalism

in line with the national development plan. The study concludes by recommending improvement

among others on the welfare of public servants for effective and efficient service delivery.