Motivation and Effective Civil Service: The Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Although the Nigerian government has made efforts to enhance efficient service delivery in the civil service, these initiatives have failed to fully meet the public's expectations for high-quality services. Findings revealed that lack of workplace motivation is one of the major issues impeding excellent service performance in the Nigerian civil service. The goal of this study is to highlight the role of motivation in increasing employees’ performance and productivity. It also examines theories of motivation with the aim of enriching our conceptualization and understanding of how drives and needs influence human behavior especially in the workplace. The researcher argues that when employees' attitudes toward work improve, ensuring good service delivery in Nigeria's civil service will no longer be a mirage. To achieve effective civil service in Nigeria, the government should improve working conditions of workers. This can be achieved through an increase in wages. Governments that are identified with effective civil service have a culture of celebrating their workforce. The Nigeria government should emulate this culture by giving incentives and awards to best performing civil servants every year. The Government should also seek employees’ opinions on how to improve their performances, as well as reward employees with excellent ideas.