NEPOTISM WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nepotism in the public sector is pervasive in many developing countries, where it carries far-reaching implications for public governance, institutional performance, and social equity. This study explored the consequences of nepotism within Nigeria’s public sector, with a focus on its impact on institutional efficiency, corruption, public trust, and the socio-economic well-being of marginalized groups. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining qualitative interviews with 20 senior and junior public sector employees across ministries and parastatals with quantitative surveys administered to 300 respondents selected through stratified random sampling in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Data from the surveys were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS version 25.0, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative interviews. Findings revealed that nepotism significantly impaired the performance and efficiency of public sector institutions, as unqualified individuals often occupy critical positions based on personal or ethnic connections rather than professional competence. Results further indicated that nepotism fosters a culture of corruption, reduced accountability, weakened organizational morale, and eroded citizens’ trust in government institutions. Additionally, marginalized groups experienced increased exclusion from employment opportunities, thereby exacerbating social inequality. The study concluded that nepotism posed a serious governance challenge in Nigeria’s public sector and recommended comprehensive policy reforms, including the institutionalization of merit-based recruitment and promotion systems, the strengthening of legal frameworks against nepotism, and the promotion of transparency and accountability mechanisms to restore public confidence in state institutions.