Public Service and Citizenship SS2 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note

Who are the Civil Servants?

When we talk about the government, we usually think of the President, Governors, or Senators. But these people come and go every four years.

The people who actually stay in the office to make sure the work continues are the Civil Servants. They are the “engine room” of the country. Whether it is a clerk at the local government office, a director in the Ministry of Education, or a secretary in the Ministry of Health—they are all part of the Civil Service.

Note: The Civil Service is just one part of the Public Service. Public Service is broader (it includes the Army, Police, and teachers), but the Civil Service refers specifically to those working in the government Ministries.

Characteristics of the Civil Service

To keep the country running smoothly, civil servants must follow these rules:

1. Permanence: Presidents leave, but the civil service stays. It is a career for life until retirement.
2. Neutrality: A civil servant is not supposed to be a “party man.” Whether APC or PDP is in power, the civil servant must do their job professionally.
3. Anonymity: They work “behind the scenes.” They don’t take credit for success, and they don’t get blamed publicly for failure—the Minister takes the heat.
4. Impartiality: They are supposed to treat every Nigerian the same way, regardless of tribe or religion.

Roles and Duties of the Civil Service

What exactly do they do all day?

• Advice to Politicians: The Ministers are often politicians, not experts. The civil servants (especially the Permanent Secretaries) provide the facts and data the Minister needs to make decisions.
• Implementing Policy: If the government says “We want to give free books to all students,” the civil servants are the ones who buy the books, count them, and send them to your school.
• Preparing the Budget: They help calculate how much money the ministry will need for the year.
• Keeping Records: They are the “memory” of the government. They keep files, letters, and documents that have existed since before you were born!
• Making Rules (Delegated Legislation): Sometimes, the big law from the National Assembly doesn’t cover small details. Civil servants write the small rules (by-laws) to fill in the gaps.

Challenges Facing the Civil Service in Nigeria

We all know that things don’t always work perfectly. Here is why the “engine” sometimes struggles:

• Political Interference: Sometimes, politicians force civil servants to hire their relatives or give contracts to their friends.
• Corruption: This is the “big elephant in the room.” Bribery and “settlements” can make the service slow and unfair.
• Poor Training and Tools: Many offices still use old typewriters or don’t have stable electricity and internet. It’s hard to work in 2026 with 1980s tools!
• Bureaucracy (Red Tape): There are too many “files” to sign. To get one simple thing done, you might need 10 signatures. This makes everything slow.
• Poor Salary: When people aren’t paid enough to take care of their families, they might lose interest in the job or be tempted to take bribes.

Citizenship: Your Part in the Story

Being a citizen isn’t just about having a Nigerian passport. It’s about responsibilities.

A good citizen helps the civil service work better by:

• Paying Taxes: That’s where the money for salaries comes from.
• Reporting Wrongdoing: If a civil servant asks for a bribe, a good citizen should report it.
• Obeying the Law: This makes the job of the government much easier.

Summary Table for Revision

Class Activity

Divide the class into two groups. Group A should defend why civil servants should be allowed to join political parties, and Group B should argue why they must remain neutral. See who wins!