By FWENJI GO’AR
The Nigerian government, like many others, relies on a delicate balance between political appointees and career civil servants. While political appointees bring fresh perspectives and political will, civil servants provide institutional knowledge and continuity, which are essential for effective governance. However, the synergy between these two groups often presents challenges, which may hinder smooth collaboration.
Role of political appointees in Nigeria
Political appointees in Nigeria often come from diverse backgrounds, including seasoned politicians, business leaders, and occasionally, individuals with little to no leadership experience. They are appointed by the president, governors or local government chairmen to fill key positions in ministries, departments, agencies, boards and parastatals.
While their political affiliations provide access to resources and support, they can also result in conflicts of interest or hinder their ability to work independently. Political appointees, by their nature, are closely aligned with the political leadership, making them accountable to the electorate. This alignment allows them to introduce new ideas and innovative approaches to governance, but it also risks short-termism, as their goals may be focused on immediate political gains.
Role of civil servants in Nigeria
On the other hand, civil servants are the backbone of the government. They possess deep knowledge of their respective fields and often have decades of experience within the bureaucracy. This institutional memory is invaluable for ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations and continuity between administrations.
Civil servants bring long-term perspectives to governance, offering insights into past policies and practices. Their tenure ensures smooth transitions between different political administrations, whether opposition-led or from the same political party. Despite their expertise, civil servants may feel marginalised by political appointees, who often have different priorities and work styles. This dynamic can lead to inefficiencies and tensions within the government.
Challenges in collaboration
The success of Nigerian governance hinges on the ability of political appointees and civil servants to work together harmoniously. When aligned, they can achieve great things. However, when they are at odds, inefficiencies, corruption, and a decline in public trust are likely to follow.
The relationship between political appointees and civil servants is often fraught with tension. Political appointees may focus on short-term goals that align with their political agenda, while civil servants tend to prioritise long-term sustainability and institutional effectiveness. This clash of priorities can create friction, especially when both groups vie for control and influence over policy and resources.
Power dynamics and conflicting interests
Power dynamics significantly influence the relationship between political appointees and civil servants. Both groups often have their own agendas and goals, leading to conflicting interests. While political appointees may prioritise their political objectives, civil servants are more focused on the long-term interests of their departments or the government as a whole.
Bureaucratic resistance from civil servants can be a barrier to reforms proposed by political appointees. This resistance is sometimes a way for civil servants to maintain their power and influence within the government. Moreover, political patronage—where appointees reward supporters with jobs or promotions—can lead to resentment among civil servants who feel overlooked.
Both political appointees and civil servants may attempt to control the flow of information to maintain their power. Civil servants might withhold information from appointees, while appointees may bypass established procedures to expedite decisions. This is a common occurrence in many government offices in Nigeria, adding to the challenges of collaboration.
The way forward: Leadership and cooperation
Despite the challenges, there is a path forward. Effective leadership is essential for navigating tensions and ensuring that political appointees and civil servants work towards common goals. Some leaders, like Plateau State Governor His Excellency Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, have successfully avoided mismatches in qualifications by appointing individuals with the necessary expertise.
Effective leadership helps in fostering collaboration and mutual respect between political appointees and civil servants. Political appointees must empower civil servants, delegating authority and recognising their expertise. Conversely, civil servants should be willing to adapt to the leadership styles of appointees and collaborate for the greater good.
Importance of succession planning
Succession planning is a crucial consideration in ensuring a smooth transition of power and knowledge between political appointees and civil servants. Given that appointees often have limited tenures, having a clear roadmap for transitioning leadership and responsibilities ensures long-term stability and continuity in governance.
By fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, Nigeria can harness the strengths of both political appointees and civil servants. This will not only build a more effective and efficient government but also enhance public trust in the system.
Impact of political patronage
One significant issue in Nigerian governance is the impact of political patronage, where political appointees reward supporters with government positions. This practice undermines the merit-based principles of the civil service, leading to conflicts between qualified civil servants and less-qualified political appointees. In the long run, such practices contribute to a decline in public trust.
The Civil Service Commission is responsible for ensuring the neutrality and professionalism of the civil service. However, its effectiveness is often hampered by political interference and inadequate resources. Strengthening the independence of the Civil Service Commission is critical for maintaining a fair and efficient government.
Benefits of a merit-ased system
A merit-based system for appointing civil servants could improve the quality of governance by ensuring that the most qualified individuals are in key positions. This would lead to more efficient decision-making, better service delivery and reduced corruption.
Recently, the Plateau State Government received a report from The High-Powered Committee to Review the Structure and Performance of the Plateau State Civil Service. This initiative aims to revitalise government machinery for optimal performance and efficiency. The committee’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for reforming the civil service, offering hope for improved governance in the state.
Conclusion
The interplay between political appointees and career civil servants is a cornerstone of effective governance. In Nigeria, balancing political will with institutional expertise is crucial for the country’s progress and prosperity. Political appointees bring fresh perspectives and the mandate for change, while civil servants provide the expertise and continuity necessary for long-term stability.
By fostering collaboration, promoting merit-based appointments and ensuring effective leadership, Nigeria can enhance its governance and achieve sustainable development for its people. The success of this balancing act will ultimately determine the country’s future trajectory.