PUBLIC SERVICE IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW OF FUNCTIONS AND CODE OF CONDUCT (Published)
This paper examines the functions of public service and the code of conduct for public servants in Nigeria with a view to ascertaining the provisions of the relevant laws. The public sector, represent the realm where the government operates for the benefits of the citizenry. This is different from the private sector where individual operates. The public service is a typical bureaucratic organization made up of public servants who are recruited on the basis of their skills/qualification and expertise. A part from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is regarded as the grund norm and which creates the public service, there is also the Revised Public Service Rules, 2006 for the public servants to obey and follow. The paper adopts descriptive analyses. It argues that Nigeria has basic legislations for regulation the code of conduct for public service, but the code of conduct Bureau and Tribunal has minimal impact as enforcement mechanisms put in place as result of general corruption in all sectors of the economy. This paper recommends that there is need for desire and willingness on the part of the public servants to adhere to the public service laws and regulations and not to violate the law. It also recommends that corruption and other vices in all sectors of the economy must be tackle by the government for effective public service in the country. It finally recommends that penal sanctions and punishment alone are not enough to curb public misconduct, there has to be patriotism, honesty, integrity, commitment, dedication and above all fear of God on the part of the general public and public officers in particular.
Keywords: Public Service; Code of Conduct Bureau; Tribunal; Civil Service; Parastatals