EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CIVIL SERVANTS. A CASE STUDY OF WAMBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE

ABSTRACT Administrative reforms are often introduced in the public sector to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. In Nigeria, several reform initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the civil service, yet concerns remain about their actual impact on employee performance. This study examined the effect of administrative reforms on the performance of civil servants in Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The specific objectives were to assess the extent to which administrative reforms influence efficiency, to determine their effect on employee motivation, and to evaluate their role in improving service delivery. The research adopted a survey design, and data were collected from civil servants in Wamba Local Government using questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. Findings revealed that administrative reforms have a significant influence on the performance of civil servants. Reforms aimed at restructuring administrative processes and improving transparency enhanced efficiency and accountability. However, challenges such as poor implementation, inadequate training, and resistance to change limited the overall impact of these reforms. The study concludes that while administrative reforms have the potential to improve performance, their success depends on proper implementation and consistent monitoring. The study recommends that government should strengthen capacity building, provide adequate resources, and involve civil servants in the reform process to achieve sustainable improvements in performance. .