PRIVATISATION PROGRAMME AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A DISCOURSE

 

Nchekwube O. Excellence-Oluye^1*, Daniel Gberevbie² and Jide Ibietan³

¹Mrs. Covenant University, NIGERIA, cheks.excellence-oluye@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

²Professor, Covenant University, NIGERIA, daniel.gberevbie@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

³Associate Professor, Covenant University, NIGERIA, olajide.ibietan@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

 

 

Abstract

Over the years, a subject of debate in public sector management has been the responsibility of government in the provision of services to her citizens. The privatisation discourse brought to the fore, issues of effectiveness and efficiency in public service delivery by government owned agencies and what roles the private sector can play in overcoming the deficiencies (wherever they exist) in service delivery. The new approach has seen the private sector step in, at varying degrees, to mobilise resources towards the provision and delivery of services at different levels. This study seeks to find out the relationship between privatisation and public service delivery in Nigeria, while identifying the synergy inherent in Public-Private Partnership in service delivery. This study adopts the historical research method. Secondary data were obtained to assess the role of privatisation in public service delivery. Amongst other findings, the paper discovers that there is a relationship between privatisation and public service delivery in Nigeria, as privatisation has had various impact on public service delivery. Furthermore, the interplay between the public sector and the private sector in service provision engenders improvement in the standard of living of the populace. The study recommends, among others, that government at various levels in Nigeria, focus on engaging and encouraging robust participation of the private sector in the delivery of services to the public, in order to galvanise development at the different levels. It concludes that the creation of an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive would enhance their efficiency in service delivery.

Keywords: Development, government, national development, Nigeria, policy, private sector, privatisation, privatisation policy, public service delivery, service delivery.