PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND POLICY DIRECTIONS

Abstract

The pursuit of effective governance has increasingly placed public sector innovation at the centre of administrative reforms across developing economies. In Nigeria, persistent challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiency, weak institutional capacity, poor service delivery, corruption, and limited responsiveness to citizens have intensified the demand for innovative approaches capable of transforming public administration. This study examines the role of public sector innovation in advancing administrative transformation in Nigeria by exploring the extent to which technological, organizational, and policy innovations have contributed to improved governance outcomes. A qualitative research approach was adopted, relying on secondary data obtained from scholarly publications, government policy documents, and reports of national and international institutions. The analysis reveals that innovation initiatives, particularly those driven by digital governance and public sector reforms, have enhanced transparency, accountability, financial management, and administrative efficiency in several government institutions. However, the realization of these gains continues to be constrained by inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional frameworks, insufficient technical expertise, resistance to organizational change, and inconsistencies in policy implementation. The study concludes that sustainable administrative transformation requires an integrated strategy that combines technological advancement with institutional strengthening, competent leadership, continuous capacity development, and effective policy coordination. It recommends sustained investment in digital infrastructure, human capital development, institutional reforms, and innovation-oriented governance practices to enhance public sector performance and promote sustainable national development in Nigeria.