Global Trends in the Nature of Intergovernmental Relations and Public Service Efficiencies

Intergovernmental relations (IGR) and bureaucratic decentralization are pivotal in realizing an efficient public service in every country. It ensures autonomy, enabling smoother governance and more effective decision-making across arms and levels of government. This study examined the global trends in the nature of intergovernmental relations (IGR) and how they impact on efficient public service delivery. It took into account a succinct insight into at least one country in each continent of the world. Countries such the United States of America, Argentina, Australia and Germany were used to drive home the point that effective IGR and bureaucratic decentralization have led to greater degree of efficiency in the public service of those countries. In the comparative study, India and Nigeria still experience poor public service outcome due to the porous nature of their IGR. Relying heavily on secondary sources and literatures, the study highlighted key differences and similarities in the intergovernmental relations (IGR) frameworks of these countries. Using that same method, the work provided insights into Nigeria’s challenges and potential solutions. The study revealed that effective IGR and decentralization in the United States, Argentina, Germany and Australia have amounted to efficient public service whilst the reverse is seen in Nigeria where over poor IGR and centralization have led to inefficient public service and by extension aggravated tensions and resentment among the citizens. The study recommended the potential benefits of adopting best practices from the U.S., Germany, Australia and Argentina in order to enhance decentralization, encourage autonomy and efficiency of the public service.