Theories of public adiministration -- The civil services and the idea of professionalism -- Overview of the theory and practice of public administration in Nigeria -- Evolution of the Nigerian civil service and reform initiatives -- The Obasanjo civil service renewal programme, 1999-2007 -- Elements of an optimal public administration system; model for the Nigerian federal civil service --Postscript.

This book provides a comprehensive insight into the origin and evolution as well as the various phases of growth and decline of the Nigerian civil service; the nature and problems of past and current reforms; and an agenda of action to reposition it as a professional service. This is presented with the backdrop of an extensive exploration of the main theoretical issues and concepts in the field of public administration.