The Problems of Accountability and Ethics in Nigeria Civil Service: Way Forward

Abstract

In this essay, the issue of ethics and accountability in Nigeria's civil service was evaluated. Accountability and ethics serve as quality-control measures that direct Nigeria’s public service’s norms, moral values, beliefs, and standards. As a result, unethical behaviour such as dishonesty, corruption, a lack of responsibility, disloyalty, nepotism, and favouritism has caused a severe issue for the ethics and accountability of the civil service, which has hampered its growth and development of civil service in carrying out its duties. This paper aims to find a way forward to tackle unethical problems. The study employed secondary data from articles published in reputable journals, conference papers, and relevant books. Deontological and obligatory theories were adopted as the framework of analysis. This study concludes that ethics and accountability play a very significant role in civil service growth and progress. However, the high level of corruption, disloyalty, indiscipline, nepotism, and other unethical practice has hampered the progress of respected organizations in Nigeria. The study recommends possible solutions that improve the moral standard in civil service delivery