ABSTRACT

This study focused on the challenges of manpower development and utilization in the Rivers State Local Government system. The study was interested in examining the extent inadequate manpower development affected productivity in the Rivers State Local Government system; ascertaining whether manpower development programmes were based on the manpower needs of the Rivers State Local Government system; and determining whether educational training could serve as manpower development strategy to improve workers’ productivity in the Rivers State Local Government system between 1999 and 2011. Using the ex-post facto research design and the general systems theory as tool of analysis, the study concluded that the attention given to manpower development and utilization by the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission is minimal. The study among others recommended that there is need to give maximum attention to staff training and development by the management of the Local Government Service as it will enable employees to adapt well to the changing trends and increasing complexities in service delivery. Training needs should be considered on the basis of overall company objective. The goals of the local government should determine what training programmes are to be organized for staff. Staff should be motivated to add value to themselves and to their lives.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Manpower development and utilization is of utmost importance to any sector, as it deals with how best to keep employees comfortable in their jobs, up-to-date, resourceful and versatile; this is expected to ensure optimal and continual performance of their assigned roles in an efficient and effective manner. The above is very important given the nature of human existence in the contemporary times (Ajieh, 2014). Nigeria’s continuous struggle for socio-economic and political development can only be achieved through efficient and proactive indigenous manpower to serve as the propelling force for national growth and development. This is quite indispensible considering the argument of the concept if transfer of technology as a propelling force for the development of the developing countries. The quality, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the general administration of a country or firm or organization’s human resources to achieve its goals depends to a large extent on the ability of its manpower. As such, manpower development is a critical factor in the achievement of organizational objectives. Notably, “human resources administration relates to the overall organizational planning process by which the organization tries to ensure that it has the right number of persons and the right kind of people, … at the right time and at the right place performing certain functions, …which are economically useful and which satisfy the need of the organization and provide satisfaction for the individuals involved, and all geared towards efficiency and productivity by the organization (Ezeani, 2005:15-18).