The need to streamline and have efficient government services has never been more crucial in today’s rapidly changing world with ever demanding citizens. As current trends outline, adopting more thoughtful service provision strategies is a pivotal step toward achieving this objective. By harnessing technology and innovative approaches, governments can optimize their operations, improve responsiveness and increase citizen satisfaction. All over the world, citizens are concerned more about government policies that impact their welfare and security which form the basis of people’s gregariousness and conviviality. This article delves deeper into the strategies that will improve government efficiency, offering a comprehensive guide on how to enhance government efficiency. Each facet is vital in creating a more agile and effective public administration, from digital transformation initiatives to data-driven decision-making.
The government must evolve a transparent, inclusive and efficient administrative system paving the way for a more responsive and citizen-centric government. In the modern world, government efficiency is paramount and it is the difference between developed and developing economies.
The methods of improving government efficiency include:
1. Continuous process improvement: Continuous process improvement involves finding ways to make strategy, projects, tasks and procedures better over time. For the government, this means regularly looking at how things are done and finding ways to do them more economically, efficiently and effectively resulting in value for money (Vfm). The government must evolve ways of doing things smarter and faster. There are always things the government can improve on, and continuous process improvement helps them do that.
2. Rule of law: Government must embrace rule of law over and above rule of thumb if it wants to improve its efficiency. Rule of law is a fundamental principle that ensures all individuals, institutions, and government officials are subject to and are accountable to the law. It emphasises the importance of equality before the law, predictability and stability of law, protection of individual rights, accountability of government to citizens and separation of powers. It emphasises that no one (individual, group or institution) is above the law.
3. Transparency and accountability: The citizens must be included in governance and policies formulation, and the people must be informed about how they are being governed and have the opportunity to choose their leaders. This improves the confidence that people have in political leaders. It also ensures that the people are aware of why the government does what it does. Transparency and accountability are like bright lights that help the government to see how well it works. When the citizens know what is happening, spotting areas where government efficiencies can be improved is easier. It also helps citizens figure out how they can improve the political system.
4. Digital transformation: Digital transformation involves using the latest technology to upgrade how the government operates. It is like adopting the best practices of the digital age to work smarter and faster. The benefits are immense, from providing quicker services to citizens to making data more accessible for informed decisions. According to African Exponent (2025), Kenya is the most technologically advanced country in Africa followed by Mauritius. Mauritius is trailed by South Africa, while Nigeria came fourth and Senegal fifth. African Exponent combined data from the Global Innovation Index (WIPO) and the ICT Development Index (ITU) 2025. Globally, Kenya (53.4%) and Mauritius (52.6%) scored averagely, while South Africa, Nigeria and Senegal scored below average.
5. Data-driven decision-making: Data-driven decision-making (DDDDM) is defined as using facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic business decisions that align with organisations’ goals, objectives, and initiatives. Data-driven decision-making is instrumental in how the government can promote economic efficiency. The government can make informed choices about resource allocation and policy-making by utilizing concrete facts and figures. Every decision contributes to a more economically efficient and prosperous society. Data-harvesting tools include “needs assessment”, “cost and benefit analysis”, “population census”, “market survey”, “newspapers reports”, “photography”, etc.
6. Citizen-centric service design: Citizen-centric service design focuses on tailoring services to meet individuals’ specific needs and preferences. It is like customizing a service to fit like a glove. This approach ensures that citizens receive the assistance they require in a way that suits the citizens best, leading to higher satisfaction and engagement with government services. It also means that no citizen is left to live vulnerably and miserably.
7. Streamlined bureaucracy: Streamlined bureaucracy enhances government responsiveness by simplifying administrative procedures. It is like removing unnecessary steps in a process, making it quicker and more efficient. For example, governments of developed countries are now adopting automated bidding systems so that there is zero tolerance for favouritism and corruption. This ensures that government agencies can swiftly address citizens’ needs and deliver services promptly. Public offices’ bureaucracy, at times, gives room for corruption.
8. Public servants’ training and development: Public servants’ training and development plays a crucial role in enhancing government efficiencies. Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge enables the government to perform their roles more effectively and contribute to a smoother and more streamlined operation. This, in turn, leads to improved overall efficiency in government processes and services. The government must engage both in-house training and outsourcing (both locally and foreign) to ensure the public servants are informed and up-to-date.
9. Performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs): Performance metrics (PMs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) are like government efficiency scorecards. They provide clear benchmarks to assess the performance of different processes and initiatives. In developed countries the political leaders’ manifestoes and the standing or statutory responsibilities of government form the performance metrics and KPIs. By tracking these metrics, the government can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance overall efficiency in its operations and service delivery.
10. Stakeholder engagement and feedback loops: Stakeholder engagement and feedback loops are like open communication channels between the government, its partners, and citizens. It is about actively involving everyone with an interest or a stake in government decisions and policies. This ensures that their perspectives are considered, leading to more informed and effective decisions by the government.
The six factors for improving government performance, as commonly identified in public administration and policy literature include:
- Regular performance measurement and management
- Employee engagement and capability
- Focus on citizens welfare and security
- Adoption of innovation and technology
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Accountability and transparency in government Processes
In order to witness progress, the call for improved government efficiency resonates powerfully. It is the cornerstone for a more responsive, transparent, and effective administration. Governments forge a brighter future by embracing innovation, citizen-centric approaches, and leveraging technology. Each endeavour to enhance efficiency is a step closer to a government serving and empowering its people, ensuring a legacy of progress for future generations. The government stands focused and the people must be united in ensuring this endeavour, knowing that they lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous society in the future in the pursuit of improved government efficiency.
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Olufemi Adedamola Oyedele, MPhil. in Construction Management, managing director/CEO, Fame Oyster & Co. Nigeria, is an expert in real estate investment, a registered estate surveyor and valuer, and an experienced construction project manager. He can be reached on +2348137564200 (text only) or femoyede@gmail.com
