ETHICS IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: A DISCOURSE
Jide IBIETAN
Covenant University, Department of Political Science and International Relations,
Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Tel: (07030892277) E-mail: jidebetan@gmail.com
Segun JOSHUA
Covenant University, Department of Political Science and International Relations,
Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Tel: (08051671086) E-mail: joshuasegun2003@yahoo.com
Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to highlight the indispensability of ethics or sound ethical conduct as a basis for effective service delivery in the Nigerian public sector. If Nigeria must get development initiative/efforts right in the 21st century, then the transformation agenda of this present administration must be anchored on sound public service values and enduring ethical practices. This much has been demonstrated in the paper with heavy reliance on the utilitarian theory, secondary sources of data backed by the analytical method. The paper concluded that the march towards an ethical based public service must continue and be regarded as series of “work in progress”. The paper recommended among others that there is an urgent and continuous need to remould the thought and conduct of civil/public servants and officials of government through the development of ethics and value reorientation that is anchored on accountability and transparency in public service. It further recommended strong commitment to implementation of laws, enforcement of sanctions and strengthening of institutions of governance on a continuous basis.
Keywords: ethics, public sector, governance, values, morals