Civil Service and Administrative Reform in Abia State, Nigeria: A Policy Impact Analysis (2015-2023)
EDWIN IHECHITURU EDWIN, Ph.D
Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The quest for efficient and effective public administration has become a pressing concern for the government. In Nigeria, Abia State Civil Service Commission embarked on a comprehensive reform program aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency. This study evaluates the impact of this reform on the administrative efficiency in Abia State, exploring the extent to which the reform has improved service delivery, reduced bureaucratic red tape, and enhanced citizen satisfaction. The study was guided by three hypotheses which were drawn from the statement of problem and the objective of the study. Sources of data collection were primary (questionnaire and interview) and secondary sources. The population of study was 2070 and the sample size was 384 obtained using Cochran’s Formula. The data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using Simple Linear Regression analysis. The study found out among others that the civil service reform of Abia State resulted in a reduction in bureaucratic red tape and an increase in the speed of service delivery. The study recommends among others that Abia State Civil Service Commission should continue to implement its reform efforts and expand them to other areas of the civil service. The paper thus, concludes by highlighting the importance of effective leadership, institutional capacity, and stakeholder engagement in driving successful civil service reform.
Keywords: Civil Service Reform, Administrative Efficiency, Abia State, Public Service Delivery, Transparency, Capacity building.