The Nigerian Civil Service is governed by fundamental principles that guide its operations and ensure its effectiveness, efficiency, and professionalism. These principles are essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the civil service. Here are the fundamental principles of the Nigerian Civil Service:

1. Political Neutrality:

• Civil servants are expected to remain politically neutral and serve the government of the day without bias or partisanship.
• They are not allowed to engage in political activities that could compromise their neutrality or the perception of it.

2. Meritocracy:

• Recruitment and promotion in the civil service are based on merit, competence, and qualifications.
• Civil servants are expected to be selected and promoted based on their skills and abilities, rather than favoritism or nepotism.

3. Professionalism:

• Civil servants are required to maintain high levels of professionalism in their conduct and service delivery.
• They should adhere to ethical and professional standards in their roles and responsibilities.

4. Impartiality:

• Civil servants must treat all citizens equally, without favoritism or discrimination based on factors like ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status.
• They are expected to provide services and make decisions objectively and fairly.

5. Transparency:

• Transparency in the civil service is crucial for accountability and public trust.
• Government actions and decisions should be open and accessible to the public, within the bounds of national security and privacy considerations.

6. Accountability:

• Civil servants are accountable for their actions, decisions, and the use of public resources.
• They are responsible for the proper stewardship of public funds and the delivery of services to the citizens.

7. Efficiency:

• The civil service is expected to be efficient in its operations and service delivery.
• Bureaucratic processes should be streamlined, and services should be delivered promptly and cost-effectively.

8. Rule of Law:

• The Nigerian Civil Service operates within the framework of the law, and civil servants are expected to uphold the rule of law.
• They are not above the law and should ensure that government actions are in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

9. Development-Oriented:

• The civil service plays a crucial role in implementing government policies and programs aimed at national development.
• Civil servants are expected to be forward-thinking and contribute to the country’s development.

10. Public Interest:

• The civil service should always act in the best interest of the public.
• The well-being and welfare of the Nigerian citizens should be the primary focus of government actions and decisions.

11. Independence:

• The civil service should operate independently and provide objective advice to the government.
• Civil servants are expected to resist undue political influence and pressure that could compromise their independence.

12. Ethical Conduct:

• Civil servants are expected to uphold high ethical standards in their behavior and decision-making.
• They should avoid conflicts of interest and act with integrity at all times.

13. Service Delivery:

• The primary role of the civil service is to provide efficient and effective services to the public.
• Ensuring quality service delivery is a fundamental principle.

14. Adaptability and Innovation:

• The civil service should be adaptable to changing circumstances and open to innovation.
• It should continually improve processes and services.

15. Protection of Human Rights:

• Civil servants are responsible for protecting and promoting human rights in their actions and decisions.
• They should ensure that government actions do not infringe on citizens’ rights.

16. Gender Equality:

• The civil service should promote gender equality and inclusivity in its policies and practices.
• Women and men should have equal opportunities in employment and advancement.

17. Anti-Corruption:

• Fighting corruption is a core principle in the civil service.
• Civil servants are expected to be vigilant against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

18. Participatory Governance:

• In a democracy, the civil service should facilitate citizen engagement in government processes.
• Public input and feedback should be welcomed.

19. Rule-Based Decision-Making:

• Decisions within the civil service should be based on established rules and procedures.
• Arbitrary or ad-hoc decision-making is discouraged.

20. International Relations and Diplomacy:

• In roles related to foreign affairs, civil servants should represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.
• They should follow diplomatic protocols and conventions.

21. Inclusivity and Diversity:

• The civil service should reflect Nigeria’s diverse population in its workforce.
• It should promote inclusivity and diversity in hiring and promotions.

22. Environmental Responsibility:

• Sustainable practices and environmental responsibility should be considered in government policies.
• The civil service should support efforts to protect the environment.

23. National Security:

• In roles related to security and defense, civil servants should safeguard Nigeria’s national security interests.
• This may involve working closely with security agencies.

These fundamental principles are vital for the effective functioning of the Nigerian Civil Service. They help ensure that the civil service operates with integrity, transparency, and professionalism, while also serving the best interests of the Nigerian people. Adherence to these principles is crucial for maintaining public trust in government institutions and promoting good governance.