Civil Service, Public Corporations, and Local Government in Nigeria

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key terminology, features, structures, functions, and issues across the civil service, public corporations, and local government as presented in the lecture notes.

Civil Service

An essential body or department in the executive arm of government that assists the executive in planning, transmitting, and implementing government policies and programs through various ministries.

Characteristics of Civil Service

Key defining attributes of the civil service, including permanence, political neutrality, impartiality, framework of law, anonymity, expertise, hierarchy, and the merit system.

Permanent Secretary / Director General

The administrative head or chief officer in charge of a ministry within the civil service who advises the minister.

Structure of Civil Service in Nigeria

The organizational hierarchy of civil service personnel divided into five classes: administrative class, professional class, executive class, clerical class, and manipulative class.

Hindrances to Civil Service in Nigeria

Factors impeding civil service efficiency, including low incentives, lukewarm attitudes, bureaucracy, political interference, tribalism, bribery and corruption, and over-duplication of functions.

Functions of Civil Service

Duties performed by civil servants, including policy formulation and implementation, drafting bills, budget preparation, advising government officials, and making bye-laws.

Public Corporation

A business enterprise owned and managed by the government and financed by taxpayers' money to provide essential services to the public, originating in Nigeria during the colonial era.

Examples of Public Corporations in Nigeria

State-owned enterprises that include the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Features of a Public Corporation

Defining elements including government ownership and management, status as a legal entity created by special laws, operating as a monopoly, and requiring huge capital establishment.

Operational Sections of a Public Corporation

The internal organizational divisions comprising the finance section, sales section, production section, public relations division, administrative section, and transportation section.

Political Head (Public Corporation vs. Civil Service)

The political leadership designation where a public corporation is headed by a Chairman, whereas a civil service ministry is headed by a Minister.

Administrative Head (Public Corporation vs. Civil Service)

The administrative executive designation where a public corporation is managed by a General Manager, whereas a civil service ministry is led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary.

Profit Orientation Difference

The functional contrast where public corporations operate on a profit-oriented basis, whereas civil servants render government services without profit.

Local Government

The third tier of government established by law at the local level to manage local political affairs, serving as the government closest to the people.

Reasons for Creating Local Government

Objectives including bringing government closer to the populace, addressing local aspirations, acting as a bridge to the federal government, providing local employment, providing essential services, and avoiding power concentration.

Powers and Functions of Local Government

Local responsibilities including making bye-laws, constructing public roads, waterways, and bridges, establishing markets, motor parks, public conveniences, cemeteries, destitute homes, primary schools, and customary courts.

Sources of Revenue to Local Government

Financial inputs derived from federal government grants, financial institution loans, taxes on non-salary earners, court fees, and local rates like water rates and market stall fees.

Control Mechanisms of Local Government

Oversight methods including law amendment by the National Assembly through the Federal Government, withholding grants, judicial control, ministerial control, and state or public control.

Problems of Local Government

Challenges affecting local administration, including corruption, embezzlement by leaders, nepotism and favouritism, shortage of personnel, counsellor illiteracy, and lack of infrastructural facilities.