Employee Motivation and Productivity in the Nigerian Public Sector: Evidence from the Federal Civil Service in Abuja

This research investigates the relationship between employee motivation and workforce productivity within Nigeria's Federal Civil Service, with specific reference to selected ministries in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Despite persistent government reforms aimed at improving public sector efficiency, productivity challenges remain a major concern in Nigerian public administration. This study adopts a descriptive research design, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 150 civil servants drawn from three federal ministries. Data collected were analysed using frequency tables, percentages, and Pearson correlation analysis. The study explores motivation variables including salary adequacy, promotion opportunities, job security, recognition, and working conditions. Results indicate a moderate but statistically significant positive relationship between intrinsic motivation factors such as recognition and career growth and employee productivity. Extrinsic motivators, particularly salary and allowances, were found to be the most frequently cited sources of dissatisfaction among respondents, suggesting a mismatch between compensation structures and employee expectations. The study also finds that bureaucratic bottlenecks and poor supervisory relationships negatively moderate the motivation-productivity relationship. These findings are consistent with contemporary motivation theories applied in African public administration contexts. The study recommends that the Federal Civil Service Commission review salary structures, streamline promotion criteria, and invest in staff recognition programmes as practical strategies for enhancing public sector productivity. Keywords: employee motivation, productivity, public sector, Federal Civil Service, Abuja.