Reinventing Public Sector Governance in Nigeria: A Multidimensional Analysis of Bureaucratic Reforms, Accountability, and Service Delivery in the 21st Century

Abstract

Public sector governance in Nigeria remains deeply challenged by inefficiency, corruption, and weak accountability. This paper interrogates the multifaceted reforms undertaken to address these issues—specifically focusing on bureaucratic restructuring, accountability mechanisms, and service delivery in the 21st century. The study pursues four objectives: (1) critically assess the effectiveness of core bureaucratic reforms; (2) analyze accountability initiatives; (3) evaluate their impact on service delivery; and (4) propose a multidimensional governance framework for Nigeria. Theoretical lenses guiding the study include Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory, New Public Management (NPM), Good Governance Theory, and Institutional Theory. Adopting a qualitative descriptive research design, secondary data spanning 2000–2025 were analyzed—including recent empirical findings from TSA impact studies, SERVICOM evaluations, and tertiary sector audits. Notably, recent empirical research by Ikeagwu et al. (2025) confirms that TSA significantly improves tracking mechanisms and financial reporting, especially when paired with political will. Yet, other studies indicate negative economic spillovers—such as reduced capital investment and increased costs—pointing to the reform’s mixed outcomes. SERVICOM, introduced in 2004 as a public service compact, remains largely symbolic, with evidence showing minimal improvement in service performance across MDAs, including the Nigerian Police Force. Service charters exist, but institutional enforcement remains weak. This study proposes a multidimensional governance model integrating institutional restructuring, digital transformation, citizen feedback, and performance accountability. Recommendations include strengthening anti-corruption agencies’ autonomy, embedding e-governance in core operations, decentralizing service delivery, and fostering civic oversight. The model offers a context-sensitive approach tailored to Nigeria’s federal, sociopolitical dynamics and contemporary governance exigencies.