GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SECTOR PERFORMANCE: EMERGING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Fasenfest (2010) describes governance as a set of decisions and processes that reflect societal expectations through the administration and leadership of government, particularly within liberal democratic systems where the will of the people holds supreme authority. In this paper, governance provides insight into the direction of decisions and processes that political actors and leaders are required to adopt in order to facilitate economic, social, political, and other forms of development within the state. On the other hand, public sector performance refers to the strategies, plans, designs, and implementation efforts geared toward the realization of government policies and programmes anchored in sound governance principles. In this paper, public sector performance addresses the issues and conduct necessary to drive the socio-economic and political sectors of the national economy, including the promotion of ethics and values in offices and workplaces in Nigeria. Among these decisions and processes are the provision of security, the creation of an enabling environment and adequate infrastructure, the promotion of fairness, equity, and justice, the establishment of a level playing field for political participation and opportunities, the adoption of democratic political principles, and the maintenance of sound diplomatic relations within the international community. Appropriate recommendations will be provided based on the discussions presented above.