In
this chapter, the researcher after the presentation and analysis of data wished
to discuss the findings here as the implication on the study.
DISCUSSION ON THE FINDINGS
In
the course of this research work, the following findings were made and
discussed. The
findings of the research further supports the view expressed by Njoku (2003)
which says that monetization policy was aimed at cutting down cost and wastages
and equally minimize the rate of careless use of public facilities.
Indeed,
Aluko (2003) contends that “the aim and objectives of monetization involves a
systematic and immediate placement of workers’ benefits with cash payment.
Adding that the money given to them in bulk created a privilege for them to
make an investment for better tomorrow.
The
second impressive finding made in the course of this research work is that
monetization policy has improved the productivity of workers in the ministry of
solid minerals development. Workers motivation to work becomes adequate as
monetization created financial benefits to workers.
The findings
further support the view of former president Olusengun Obasanjo’s inaugural
speech of 29th May, 1999.
The
corruption of the public service and the cynical contempt for integrity that bureaucracy
will be stamped out, the public officers must be encouraged to believe once
again that integrity pays. His self-respect must be rewarded through better pay
and benefits both with service and on retirement.
Indeed,
the journal of NEEDS, volume six, page 92 contends that “the policy will
encourage public servants to make responsible decision about the use of their
resources. It went further to state that the policy has the challenge of
convincing public officers that it is no longer business as usual as far as
enjoyment of the in kind benefits they were used to.
CONCLUSION
The
study reveals the mind of the people; particularly the public servants towards
monetization policy which the data collected show that majority of the workers favour the policy. In this regards, it will have positive
impact on workers productivity. The gain accruing to the government may not be
seen now but in the long run, it will be evidently clear to all as to how much
that have been saved as a result of the introduction of this policy.
It is
clear to the mind of the researcher that though at the initial stage, huge sum
of money had been allocated for the pay including arrears, there is high hope
that at the long run government will save money that will move the economy
forwards, thereby improving the lives of every citizen and not only civil
servants.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Though
government has started the implementation of the monetization policy, there are
issues it should consider very crucial. The government should consider:
1. The composition
of a monitoring and strategic committee to review and submit monthly progress
report on the level of achievement or otherwise of the objective of
monetization.
The
Nigeria economy is a volatile one and is subject to various kinds of shocks,
therefore any issue that requires effectives monitoring should be broken down
into phases of implementations. On the short run, the implementation of the
policy of monetization has serious consequences on the economic, social and
political lives of the country and its citizens. The work of this monitoring
and strategic committee will also include the determination of such
consequences on various facets of the economy. The short terms of the
implementation of monetization policy has to be considered in relation to its
consequence on the national budget, inflation, unemployment, productivity,
political and social aspects.
There
is no doubt that it will have initial adverse effects on the budgetary
allocation of resources as well as the economy in general.
2. For
the continuation of the policy in subsequent regimes, the executive should send
a bill on monetization policy to the national assembly for approval, for it to
become a law in public service system. In this case, there will be continuity
of the policy.
3. Adequate
appropriation for the timely and regular payment of salaries and monetized
benefits should be a matter of primary concern when considering issues of
monetization. Government has to consider the aspect of proper funding to meet
the payment of salaries and monetized benefits. On the short run the policy
would increase the budgetary appropriation of government because of the
colossal and immediate disbursement of salaries together with monetized
benefits to public officers. Already payments have been made in arrives. In
implementing the policy, government should try and avoid being thrown into a
financial predicament. The consequences of financial mess are very grievous.
4. Sanction
and disciplinary measures should be taken against public officers that will
stand against implementation and smooth running of the policy. This should be
applied consistently on matter whose ox is gored. The interest of the nation
should take prevalence.
5. There
should be continued education and enlightenment on the benefits of the policy
to public officers and the entire citizens through workshops, seminars,
conferences, the print and electronic media.
Sensitive
and revolutionary reform programmes have
serious consequences of the peculiar nature of being vicious during
implementation. Such reform programmes
requires not only sufficient as to their over all national benefits. A policy
reform will not be successful if the people do not accept it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Asiodu, P. C. (1992), civil servants as economic
managers in Social transformation
for reliance, Ibadan: fountain publisher.
Akuezuilo, E. O. (1993), Research Methodology and
Statistics, Awka : Nuel Nigeria Publisher.
Cassils New English Dictionary, (1956), 17th
Edition, London Casett and
Company Limited.
Ezeali B. O. and Edeth J. N. (2007); comparative
Public Administration cases for
selected countries, Onisha chambers Publishers.
Okpata F. O. (2004); Public Administration Theory and Practice. An integrated Approach.
Enugu: Cheston Agency limited.
Okpata F. O. (2006); Bureaucratic Communication and Information management in Public
Administration. Enugu: Jones Communication
Publisher.
Junji O. (2008); Theory and Practice of Public
Administration and Civil Service
Reforms in Nigeria. Spectrum Books Limited,
Ibadan.
Okeke M. I. (2001); The Practice of Public policy
analysis, Enugu: Bismark
Publishers.
Yahaya, A. D. (1992); Servants as economic Managers
II” in Social Transformation for self
reliance. Ibadan: fountain Publishers.
Ugoo E. A. (2008) Modern Public Administration,
Theories and Practice Onitsha:
Abbot Book Limited.
JOURNALS
Haruna, U. S.
(2004) Approved rate for monetization of fringe benefits in Public Service
(SWC/S/04/SN67/216/2/02/2004)
NEWSPAPERS
Adeyemi P. (2004) “Monetization breeds poverty, Unemployment” vanguard
Thursday April 29
Idnor
D. (2003) Monetization express rent-scan. Daily Champion, Tuesday August 5th
pg 21.
Olusegun O. (2003), Approved rate for fringe benefits
in the Federal Civil Service. Daily
Champion, Wednesday Nov.
19
Uwabunkonye I. (2003) understanding monetization.
Daily Times, August
11-17
APPENDIX
Department
of Government
And
Public Administration
Imo
State University
Owerri
16th
August 2008
Dear
Respondent
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
This questionnaire is for a research
work being conducted by (name of reseacher) an undergraduate student of the
above named department/institution, you are kindly requested to answer the
questions set at below which are purely for academic purpose.
Please mark (x) in the space or box
provided beside the alternative option(s) to the questions which in your
opinion appropriate.
To guaranty anonymity of
respondents; your name is therefore not required.
Thanks for your anticipated
cooperation
Name
of Researcher
Student Researcher