Employee Motivation and Productivity in the Nigerian Public Sector: A Study of the Enugu State Civil Service

This study investigates the relationship between employee motivation and productivity within the Nigerian public sector, focusing on the Enugu State Civil Service in the South East geopolitical zone. Public sector productivity in Nigeria remains a subject of considerable concern, with recurring criticisms of inefficiency, absenteeism, and low morale among civil servants. The study adopts a survey research design and employs Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory as its theoretical framework. Data were gathered through questionnaires administered to 180 civil servants drawn from five state ministries, supplemented by oral interviews with senior administrative officers. The results confirm that intrinsic motivators, including recognition, responsibility, and opportunities for advancement, exert a stronger influence on sustained productivity than extrinsic factors such as salary increments alone. The study further finds that salary delays, which are common in the Enugu State Civil Service, significantly erode employee morale and commitment. Recommendations include the implementation of merit-based promotion systems, regular performance appraisals, and the establishment of a transparent reward structure. The study also advocates for the digitalisation of payroll processes to eliminate salary irregularities. By centring its analysis on the South East zone, this research contributes context-specific data to the broader national conversation on public service reform in Nigeria. Keywords: Motivation, Productivity, Public Sector, Civil Service, Enugu State.