THE IMPACT OF SERVICOM POLICY ON TRAINING AND RETRAINING IN BENUE STATE CIVIL SERVICE: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

Abstract

This research examines the effect of the Service Compact (SERVICOM) policy on training and retraining programmes in the Benue State Civil Service from 2009 to 2022. The research utilizes survey a research design with regression analysis in determining the extent of SERVICOM's capacity building efforts for civil servants. The study was necessitated by the continued decadence and stigmatization of the public service with over-centralization, scant emphasis on results and concrete performance, dangerously low staff morale and productivity, inappropriate staff training and re-training practices which often ignore the specialization of staff, and corruption among others. This study used theoretical framework of New Public Management (NPM). The survey research design was adopted and a population of 616 staff from five Ministries in Benue State and the Office of the Head of Service was considered. Nwana (1981) sampling formula was used to select a sample size of 117 out of the total population. Two instruments were created: structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The regression analysis and content analysis were used for data analysis. The study showed that, the Benue Civil Service has made significant progress in the implementation of the demands of SERVICOM but the satisfactory service delivery is not achieved because of the poor management of compensation and reward to civil servants. It was also revealed that there has been training and re-training of civil servants in the state for effective and efficient service delivery, but the statistical relationship is not significant. The study thus recommended that the staff of the state be trained and retrained in order to provide satisfactory service delivery. In line with this, the enhancement of salary and other allowances are also recommended to improve the motivation of the workers.