Theory question 103
Civil ServiceSection A (answer two questions from this section)
(a) What are the major difference between the civil service and public service?
(b) Discuss the main criticisms against the Nigerian civil service.
Show the model answer
(a) Civil service: the permanent body of officials in government ministries and departments who advise ministers and carry out policies.
Public service is wider: it includes the civil service plus public corporations, the armed forces, police, judiciary staff, local government staff and the teaching service.
Civil servants are paid directly from government votes; many public servants work in bodies that earn revenue (e.g. corporations).
Civil service is governed by General Orders/civil service rules; parts of the public service by their own enabling laws and boards.
(b) Red-tapism and delay.
Corruption and bribery.
Over-staffing and inefficiency.
Political interference in appointments and promotion (loss of neutrality).
Nepotism and ethnic favouritism (quota system over merit).
Lack of initiative and resistance to change.
Poor attitude to work and absenteeism.
Wastage of public funds.
Part (a) needs real differences, not just definitions.