Impact of the ‘New Normal’–Induced Digital Transformation on Public Service Delivery and Governance in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Governance involves the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life and safety of the people. It is a collaborative process that describes the cooperative efforts of all levels of government to ensure that the people enjoy a decent living and are protected from disasters and outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the world is facing a new normal arrangement in almost all the economic and social sectors because of restrictions that are brought about by the pandemic with severe challenges on governance and public service delivery. There is an increasing need, therefore, for policymakers to adjust the pattern of public service delivery and policy formulations to curtail the spread of the virus amidst several conspiracies. This chapter adopts the conspiracy theory to explain how the disbelief concerning the existence of the virus promotes its spread in the workplace and the need to embrace and enhance digital transformations in areas such as teleworking, flexible working, health and safety at the workplace, and work-life balance, for optimal service delivery. Data for this chapter were generated through the review of extant literature. The paper makes relevant recommendations for policymakers, managers and administrators in this dispensation and beyond.

Citation

Onwuegbuna, G., Etim, E. and Fatile, J. (2022), "Impact of the ‘New Normal’–Induced Digital Transformation on Public Service Delivery and Governance in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities", Ogunyemi, K. and Onaga, A.I. (Ed.) Responsible Management of Shifts in Work Modes – Values for a Post Pandemic Future, Volume 1, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 197-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-719-020221016