Impact of Training on Employees’ Performance in Nigerian Civil Service

Abstract

Successive administrations in Nigeria since independence have made frantic effort towards improving the performance of civil servants through the conduct of training programmes for all categories of employees. However, there are mixed reactions among scholars with regards to the impact of training programmes on the performance of civil servants. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to assess the impact of training programmes on the performance of Nigerian civil service during the fourth republic. Methodologically, the paper adopts a qualitative approach for the purpose of obtaining the required materials through textual content analysis of documents from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Civil Service Institute (PSI), Centre for Managing development (CMD), Office the Head of Service of the Federation, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and empirical literature. The findings of the study reveal that effective training is imperative towards the enhancement of employees’ performance. However, the impact of training programme on the performance of the Nigerian civil service have not be quite impressive due to lack of effective implementation of training programmes, poor funding, inefficient trainers lack of adequate facilities and inability to determine employees’ training needs, outdated curriculum among others. The study therefore recommends for improved funding, determination of training needs, engagement of qualified trainers, review of training curriculum, use of modern technology and feedback machanism.   Received: 30 November 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: January 2026