PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Contemporary Nigeria is plagued with the problems of widespread poverty, large-scale unemployment, technological backwardness, low capacity utilization, inadequate and decayed social and physical infrastructure, high incidence of diseases, high crime rate, among others. These disturbing socio-economic indicators in Nigeria are among the worst in the world. Ironically, these unpleasant indicators exist side-by- side the country’s great national wealth and potentials, with an enviable stock of human resources who possess knowledge, expertise and skills especially in the public service. Unfortunately, it appears these knowledgeable public servants are unable to serve as catalysts in the development of the nation. This situation makes the Nigerian case paradoxical. The objective of this study therefore is to identify the challenges preventing Nigerian public administration from playing its catalyzing role in the development of the country as well as to proffer possible solutions. Data for the study were collected from secondary sources (documents) such as textbooks, journals, bulletins, magazines, government publications and internet materials, while analysis was done qualitatively. One of the findings is that bribery and corruption are a bane of Nigerian public administration. In fact, they constitute a serious impediment to national development. The paper recommends, inter alia, the empowering of the anti-corruption institutions and introduction of information and communication technology in public governance.