The Assumptions of Public Choice and Developmental State Theorists in Nigerian Public Sector

Background: Nigeria public sector have been shaped by the public choice theory and developmental state theory. While the former assumes that individuals in the public sector act mainly in their own interest, the later posit that a strong, autonomous state can drive economic development and growth. However, the Nigerian experience suggests that both perspectives have limitations and have not snowball into economic prosperity for the nation nor build citizens trust in the governance. Objective: The study examined the negative impact of developmental state and public choice approach on public sector governance and also identify the ideas of developmental state in Nigeria public sector. Method: The study adopted qualitative method of data collection and utilize data generated from both primary and secondary sources. The sample size comprised thirty (30) respondents purposively selected across the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This number is cumulative of 5 persons each from one states of the geopolitical zones. Interview technique were used to generate primary data through one-on-one/online (Phone and WhatsApp calls) communication. Respondents were drawn from various background putting into consideration their proven knowledge on Nigeria’s governance practice and their ability to analyze issues objectively. A semi-structured, with a follow-up question was designed to interview the respondents. Data were analyzed using content analysis method and presented thematically by way of sub-headings. Results: The application of state developmental theory and public choice theory in Nigeria's public sector has had adverse effects leading to negative perception of the state governance system by the citizens and creating room for government official to siphoned public funds. Conclusion: The study concludes that while developmental state hinges on state interventions in the economy, public choice rely on economics tools to indicate how politics and government should function to rescue the state from degenerating into a weak, fragile state. Unique Contribution: The study provided an expository and systematic explanation of developmental state and public choice theories as being positioned between liberal open economy model and central-planned model which is actually a mixed economy cum political system. Thus, government official, private sectors as well as policy makers will find it useful in economic planning and growth of the nation. Key Recommendation: Developmental state and public choice theories should be domesticated to fit into the Nigeria environment so as to solve the economic and developmental challenges bedeviling the nation.