Transforming Nigeria’s Civil Service

The Intersection of Bureaucratic Reforms and Foreign Policy Efficacy

Abstract

This paper investigates the complex correlation between public service reforms and Nigeria's foreign policy, with a specific emphasis on how bureaucratic dynamics impact the nation's diplomatic endeavours. The research employs a comprehensive examination of secondary data from periodicals, government databases, archives, and internet sources to examine different reform attempts from 2007-2013. The key results indicate that despite attempts to reorganise and improve the public service to increase efficiency and effectiveness, there are still obstacles such as bureaucratic fragmentation, uneven execution, and political influence that continue to exist. The implementation of reforms like as the Monetization Policy and the development of the Service Compact with Nigerians (SERVICOM) has had varied outcomes, enhancing some parts of public service provision while falling short in other areas. Human resource development and ongoing training are essential elements in constructing a skilled and adaptable public service. The research emphasises the need for practical, gradual changes that promote moral behaviour, responsibility, and efficient management. Through including academic perspectives, this debate offers a thorough comprehension of how public service changes might be used to improve Nigeria's foreign policy results. It advocates for a more unified and proactive approach to international relations. The results provide useful insights for policymakers and researchers who are interested in the intersection of public administration and foreign policy.