Title: Public Sector Innovation and Change Management in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Ajiboye Moses Oluwatoyin
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 273-286
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
Public sector innovation and effective change management have become fundamental drivers of governance reform globally, yet their operationalization in Nigeria continues to encounter structural, institutional, and political barriers. This study examined the challenges and prospects of innovation and change management in Nigeria's public service, emphasizing how institutional capacity, leadership, technology adoption, and employee attitudes influence reform outcomes. Guided by both conceptual and empirical frameworks, the research employed a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews with civil servants across federal ministries. Results revealed that while there is increasing awareness of innovation-driven reform, implementation is constrained by bureaucratic resistance, limited funding, weak leadership commitment, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Findings also indicated that employee capacity-building, leadership engagement, and accountability frameworks significantly influence reform success. The study contributes to existing literature by bridging a gap on the interplay between innovation and change management within Nigeria's unique socio-political context, offering evidence-based insights for both scholars and practitioners. Based on the findings, four recommendations are advanced: first, capacity-building programs should be prioritized to enhance employee skills in managing reform processes; second, public service leaders should demonstrate stronger commitment by modeling innovative practices; third, digital transformation and adequate funding should be mainstreamed to support reform initiatives; and fourth, mechanisms of transparency and accountability should be strengthened to reduce resistance and foster citizen trust in governance.