Public Service in Democracy I – SS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Public service is a service the government provides to the people living within its jurisdiction. Public service bodies are owned and controlled by the state, funded by public money, and answerable to the people.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define public service.
2. Give examples of public service bodies in Nigeria and state what each does.
3. State the characteristics of public service.
4. Explain the functions of public service in a democracy.
5. Explain the importance of public service.
6. State the problems facing public service in Nigeria and suggest ways of improving it.

What are the key terms?

• Jurisdiction: the area and people over which a government has legal authority.
• Public service body: an organisation that carries out government programmes and policies for a sector of society.
• Accountability: the duty to explain and answer for how power and public money are used.
• Autonomy: freedom to run daily affairs without direct interference.
• Revenue: money earned or collected by the government.
• Infrastructure: basic facilities such as roads, electricity, water and schools.
• Implementation: carrying out a plan or policy in practice.
• Parastatal: a government-owned agency, commission or corporation that works under a ministry.
• Private sector: the part of the economy owned and run by individuals or companies for profit.

What are examples of public service in Nigeria?

Public service bodies carry out the programmes and policies of government. The table shows the main examples and what each does.

What are the characteristics of public service?

The characteristics of public service are the features that mark a body as part of government service.

1. State ownership: the government owns the body, and no private person does.
2. State control: the state controls its management and functioning.
3. Accountability: it answers to the people, because it is funded by public money.
4. Limited autonomy: in some situations it runs its daily work with some freedom.
5. Wide coverage: it cuts across all areas of life and society, such as education, power, trade and security.
6. Service motive: its main aim is to serve the people, and profit comes second.

What is the difference between public service and the private sector?

Public service is run by government to serve all citizens. The private sector is run by individuals or companies to make profit.

• Public service example: JAMB, NDIC and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
• Private sector example: a privately owned school, bank or factory.

What does public service do in a democracy?

In a democracy, public service turns the decisions of elected leaders into services for the people.

• Implements policies: it turns the decisions of elected leaders into action.
• Delivers services: it supplies the people with services such as education, electricity and broadcasting.
• Protects citizens’ interests: bodies such as NDIC protect the money of ordinary customers.
• Collects revenue: bodies such as the Customs Service collect duties for the government.
• Gives access to all citizens: its services are meant for every citizen, whatever the person’s status.
• Answers to the public: it must explain how it uses public money.
• Keeps government running: it continues the daily work of government when elected leaders change.

Why is public service important?

Public service is important because it provides jobs, services, income and facilities that help the nation grow.

1. Rural development: it takes projects and services to villages and small towns.
2. Employment: it gives jobs to many people.
3. National income: it adds to the income of the country.
4. Government revenue: the money earned can be used to fund projects.
5. Infrastructure: it plays an important part in building roads, power supply and other facilities.
6. Export earnings: it supports trade and adds to the money the country earns from exports.

What are the problems of public service in Nigeria?

The problems of public service are the weaknesses that stop its bodies from serving the people well.

• Corruption: some officials misuse public money or take bribes.
• Poor funding: some bodies lack enough money to carry out their programmes.
• Delay in work: long official procedures slow down services.
• Political interference: politicians sometimes influence appointments and decisions.
• Poor attitude to work: some workers are late, absent or careless with public property.
• Weak monitoring: poor supervision allows waste and abuse to go unpunished.

How can public service be improved?

Public service can be improved by honest management, proper funding and strong supervision.

1. Punish corruption and reward honest, hardworking officers.
2. Provide enough funds and equipment for public bodies.
3. Employ and promote workers on merit.
4. Train workers regularly to improve their skills.
5. Reduce political interference in daily work.
6. Let citizens, the press and the National Assembly ask questions about how public bodies work.

Evaluation

1. Define public service.
2. Give five examples of public service bodies in Nigeria and state the work of any two.
3. State the characteristics of public service.
4. Explain four reasons why public service is important.
5. State three problems facing public service in Nigeria.

Assignment

1. List five examples of public service in Nigeria and state three reasons why public service is important.