Security Governance and Public Administration: Unpacking the Effect of Insurgency/Communal Violence on Service Delivery and Administration in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of insurgency and communal violence on public administration and service delivery in Nigeria, with a focus on how insecurity affects governance in conflict-prone regions. The objective of the study is to explore how public administration can adapt to these challenges and ensure continuous service delivery despite security disruptions. The study is anchored in the Structural Functionalism theory, which posits that the stability of societal systems depends on the functioning of its institutions. A qualitative approach was adopted, with data sourced from secondary materials, including textbooks, journal publications, government reports, and international news outlets. The study found that insecurity disrupts public administration by displacing staff, diverting funds from service delivery to security, and eroding local governance structures. The research highlights the importance of decentralization, adaptive capacity, and community-based governance as key areas for reform. It also underscores the need for stronger early-warning systems and improved coordination among public institutions to respond effectively to crises. The conclusion suggests that, to improve crisis management in insurgency-prone areas, Nigeria’s public administration should adopt flexible resource allocation, enhance decentralization, and priorities community engagement. Recommendations include strengthening decentralization and local governance, improving early-warning systems, and fostering community-centered governance to ensure service continuity during crises.