ABSTRACT

The study examines the efficiency and productivity of Federal Character principle in the Nigeria Civil service. The motivation of the study was borne out of the ineffectiveness, inefficiency, lack of professionalism and low productivity that characterized the Nigerian civil service due to ineffective implementation and enforcement of the Federal Character Principle by the Federal Character Commission. The objectives of the study are to: examine the principles guiding the operation of Federal Character Commission (FCC), examine the recruitment procedures in Nigeria civil service, determine the factors militating against implementation of Federal Character principle in the Nigeria civil service; and proffer possible strategies for implementation of Federal Character principle in the Nigeria civil service. The study used the Bureaucratic and Representative Bureaucracy theories as the theoretical framework. The study employed qualitative method. The study revealed that there is nothing wrong with the idea of Federal Character principle as it still remains a veritable tool to help enthrone effectiveness, efficiency, professionalism and national unity. Also shows that, the problems associated with the implementation of the Federal Character principle in the Nigeria civil service is only due to ineffective application by the Federal Character Commission. In other to solve these problems, the study recommends that the legislative arm of government should ensure through its oversight function the effective and efficient implementation and enforcement of Federal Character principle by the executive arm of government (the federal character commission) and that the recruitment and promotion of staff in the Nigeria civil service should be based on merit.