IMPROVING SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

This study examines the impact of staff training and development on service delivery in Nigerian government agencies (2020–2025). A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 respondents drawn from a population of 150 employees across three federal agencies in Abuja using Taro Yamane’s formula. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were the main instruments for data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to provide deeper insights. Findings revealed that training significantly enhances employee efficiency, productivity, and professional competence. Manpower development was shown to improve accountability, teamwork, and discipline, thereby strengthening institutional performance. Long-term benefits of training and development included raised morale, sustained quality of service, and greater adaptability to changing administrative and technological demands. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, political interference, and lack of modern training facilities were identified as critical barriers undermining effective capacity-building. Results further confirmed a strong positive relationship between structured training programmes, manpower development, and improved service delivery in government agencies. The study recommends institutionalisation of structured training policies, increased budgetary allocation for staff development, and adoption of modern digital training platforms such as e-learning and simulation tools, reduction of political interference through transparent policies, and strengthened partnerships with local and international institutions. By situating manpower development within the operational realities of the Nigerian public sector, the study provides practical insights for policymakers, administrators, and scholars seeking to improve institutional capacity, staff efficiency, and public service delivery