SERVICOM AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM IMPLEMENTATION IN SELECTED MINISTRIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Efficient public service delivery is tied to a nation's ability to foster economic growth, reduce poverty and promote inclusive progress through consistent reform implementation. Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM) plays a key role in guaranteeing accountability, openness and citizen’s satisfaction in the public service. While reforms attempt frequently begin with good intentions, their implementation faces several challenges. These challenges have crippled the actual implementation of the public service reforms and their impact. This study therefore investigated SERVICOM and the implementation of public service reforms in chosen federal ministries in Nigeria. The study adopted a convergent parallel research design. The population of the study was 953 SERVICOM officials from the Federal Ministry of Defence and Federal Ministry of Works. A sample size of 282 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. A Structured and Validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential (Pearson correlation) statistics at 5% level of significance. Findings showed that there was a significant relationship between SERVICOM unit oversight function and reform implementation (r = 0.64, p < 0.05). The study concluded that SERVICOM plays a pivotal role in the implementation process of public service reforms, but is plagued with challenges as related to funding, bureaucracy and training. The study recommended that there is a need for enhanced oversight mechanisms by SERVICOM and improved funding by the government, for effective implementation of public service reforms.