FACTORS AFFECTING EFFECTIVE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA: FOCUS ON FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE

Abstract

This study investigated factors affecting effective policy implementation in Nigeria with a focus on the Federal Character Principle. The Federal Character Principle was enacted and captured in Section 14 (3) and (4) to ensure equitable employment distribution in the Nigerian civil service; however, it appears that the implementation of the policy is ineffective because disparity remains prominent in employment distribution despite the enactment of the policy. Building on existing literature and the use of existing secondary data the paper identified corruption, lack of political will, personal interest and poor policy evaluation strategyas factors responsible for the ineffective implementation of the Federal Character Principle in the Nigerian public service. The paper of the study provides a valuable blueprint for policy implementers, governments and policymakers to close-in the identified factors hindering the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria.