Job Satisfaction and Staff Performance in Esit Eket Local Government Council of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

With the general unemployment rate estimated at over 32% and youth unemployment at over 50%, Nigeria is a country of few opportunities and occupational mobility is more or less non-existent. It is widely believed that most people who work in the civil service, especially at the Local Government Councils do so not because they enjoy it but because that is what is available. This study investigated job satisfaction amongst employees of Esit Eket Local Government Council and its relationship with their performance. Using a survey research method, the researchers administered a questionnaire to the entire staff population of 256, of which 246 representing 96.09% were correctly completed and returned. The findings of the study revealed that there is job satisfaction amongst the workers as evidenced by the low staff turnover and exit rate from the sector and that there is a significant relationship between Local Government employee job satisfaction and performance. Contrary to the negative social constructs associated with public staff at the Local Government Councils, they are performing real services of value which ensure political stability as well as accessibility and affordability of key citizen services. To sustain and increase the satisfaction level, the study recommended that the government should carry out innovative improvements to the working conditions of staff at Esit Eket in a way that is enriching and gives room for value creation, such that innovation and creativity now attract key rewards such as promotion, to sustain staff satisfaction.