Assessment of the Implementation of 1972 Udoji and 2003 Obasanjo Public Service Reforms in Nigeria: A Neo-Public Management Paradigm

Abstract

This Paper is a comparative study between the 1972 Udoji Public Service Review Commission and the 2003 Obasanjo Public Service Reform. The objective of the study is to identify the similarities between the 1972 Udoji Public Service Review Commission and the 2003 Obasanjo Public Service Reform as New Public Management Paradigm.  The study uses documentary evidences relating to Public Service Reforms as its methodology.  The Study revealed that ‘The New Style Public Service’ recommended by the Udoji Public Service Review Commission, was the early stage of the ‘New Public Management’ because the contemporary ‘New Public Management’ is a call to operate the Public Service like the private business.  In conclusion, it was clear from the study that the lack of full implementation of the 1972 Report of the Udoji Public Service Review Commission was the reasons why we had the 1988 and 2003 reforms.  The paper therefore recommended that government should always implement the recommendations in the Public Service Reforms to avoid a repeat of the reforms encompassing what had earlier been recommended in a previous reform.  In addition, the Bureau of Public Service Reform should always monitor the implementation of recommendations emanating from reports.

Keywords: Public Service, Reforms, Management Paradigm, implementation