Administrative Problem Handling In Nigeria’s Public Sector: Theory And Practice

Abstract

Public administrators have for a long time faced some challenges in implementing public policies to achieve policy goals. The study analyses the role (s) administrators play and the problems they face in implementing public policies to bring about growth and development in Nigeria. The study utilizes bureaucratic theory and administrative theory as its theoretical frameworks. Based on the documentary and survey research design, the paper revealed the roles administrators play in the implementation of public policies through the POSCORB Model, which involves planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting within the public sector to handle public problems. The paper also brought to the fore problem solving skills such as dexterity, foresight, flexibility, intelligence, administrative discretion, strategic planning, effective personnel administration, and prudent resource mobilization and utilization, which are required by administrators to solve policy problems. The paper identified political interference, corruption, inadequate funding, self-induced anarchy by the administrator, favoritism and nepotism etc., as some of the challenges public administrators face in implementing public policies in Nigeria. Based on this, the paper recommends the creation of an independent body to oversee the activities of administrators, proper funding, enhancement of parliamentary oversight functions, and adherence to the bureaucratic principle of meritocracy.