Public Management Reforms in Nigeria: The Application of Managerialism and Its Limitations

Abstract

The contention of this paper is the indispensability of administrative reforms. It contends with the fact that the need to position public administration for sustainable national development gives credence to the renewed global agitations for public sector reforms. Most country’s attempt at public sector reforms however, seem to draw on the experience of the private sector – Nigeria not been an exception. The objective of the paper therefore is to look at reforms generally and the need for reforms by organizations. The paper then looks at managerialism and its applicability in Nigeria’s public sector. The methodology used is the narrative approach which involves the use of secondary data primarily. It was revealed that various public sector reforms have been embarked upon in Nigeria before now and the reforms have in many ways contributed to a more efficient public sector in Nigeria. It was also revealed that managerialism depends on the will, commitment and strength of the political leadership; the support and the understanding of the general populace. It is therefore recommends among others, that cognizance be taken of the continuous need for the restructuring of the public sector and the general populace must be carried along.