FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE

P.M.B 1036 OWERRI IMO STATE

ASSIGNMENT ON
Discuss the historical development of public administration in Nigeria

WRITTEN BY

S/N NAME REG. NO.

1 OKORIE CHIOMA HANNAH

2 OCHULOR MUNACHIMSO ESTHER

3 UGWOKE CYNTHIA CHINECHEREM

4 ONYEMA RUTH ADAEZE

5 OKOYE BROWN OKOYE

DEPT: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

LEVEL: ND 1 MORNING

COURSE TITLE: THEORY OF ADMINISTRATION

COURSE CODE: PAD 112

GROUP: 1

LECTURER:

DATE: FEBRUARY, 2024

 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

The historical development of public administration in Nigeria can be traced to

the colonial era when Nigeria was under British rule. Here is an overview of the

key periods and milestones in the development of public administration in

Nigeria.

Colonial Era (1861 -1960)

During this period Nigeria was divided into different territories under British

control. The British colonial administration established a centralized system of

government with power concentrated at the regional and administrative levels

public administration was structured to serve the interest of the colonial rulers

focusing primarily on maintaining law and order collecting taxes and delivering

basic services. The administrative framework was characterized by the presence

of British colonial officers who held key position and make most of the important

decisions.

Per – Independence Era (1950s -1960)

As Nigeria moved towards independence the demand for self governance

increased. The nationalist played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on

governance and public administration. Various political parties and organizations

emerged advocating for reforms increased autonomy and the development of

indigenous administrative capacity.

Independence and Post Independence Era (1960 and Onward)

Nigeria gained independence in 1960, and this marked a new chapter in the

development of public administration. The country adopted a federal system with

three regions northern western and eastern. Each region had its own regional

government and civil service the public service played a critical role in nation

building policy formulation and service delivery. On a few specific reforms from

the 1970s and 1980s.

One of the most significant reforms was the creation of the federal civil service

commission (FCSC) in 1976. This commission was responsible for recruiting

training and managing the federal civil service. Another major reform was the

establishment of the office of the head of the civil service of the federation

(OHCSF) in 1987. This office was responsible for coordinating and supervising the

federal civil service. Finally the Nigerian government also created a number of

new ministries and departments during this time such as the ministry of budget

and national planning. Another key reform from this period was the introduction
of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program was designed to improve access

to education in Nigeria by providing free and compulsory basic education for

children the program also aimed to improve the quality of education and promote

gender equality.

There have been four main stages in the development of public administration

in Nigeria

The first stage was from independence in 1960 to the mid -1970s. This period was

characterized by a focus on economic development and modernization. The

second stage was from the mid 1970s to the early 1980s. This period saw a

number of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the

public sector. The third stage was from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s. During

this period there was a focus on decentralization and the devolution of power to

the states.

The fourth and final stage is from the mid-1990s to the present day. This period

has been characterized by a renewed focus on economic development as well as

a number of reforms aimed at combating corruption and improving the delivery

of public services. There have also been efforts to decentralized power and

devolved more authority to the states.

First is the pre-colonial period when traditional rulers and local authorities were

responsible for governing the country. Next is the colonial period when the British

introduced a new system of administration to Nigeria and finally there is the post-

colonial period which began in 1960 and saw the emergence of a new system of

public administration

The Pre –Colonial Period.

During this time Nigeria was made up of a number of independent states each

with its own system of administration. Traditional rulers such as kings and chiefs

played a key role in governing these states. They were responsible for collecting

taxes, maintaining law and order and resolving disputes. However these systems

were often much decentralized and lacked a centralized authority.

The colonial period.

The British began to exert their influence in Nigeria in the late 19 th century and by

1900 they had established a system of indirect rule under this system the British

retained overall control but they allowed local rulers to reduce the cost of

governing the colony and to ensure that local customs and traditions were

respected. However this system was also criticized for being too exploitative and

for undermining local autonomy.

The evolution of the colonial system over time, the British began to centralize

their control over the colony. They established a number of public services such

as education and health care. However, this system remained highly centralized

and dependent on the British many Nigerians saw it as a form of colonial

domination.