Development organizations are shifting the culture of governance across Nigeria.

Over the last two decades of Nigeria’s democracy, the Nigerian civil service functioned as a huge monolith organization, and a majority of citizens were not sure exactly what these endless chains of government buildings existed to do.

Agencies and department activities were shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Recruitments were done with very little or no publicity. Selection and employment processes were based on political connections. Less than a decade ago, working for the Nigerian government was like joining a secret cult.

Information about government activities was scarce. This also meant that those who complained about how the system functioned, were usually those on the outside of it — those who were trying hard to get in.

Ironically, at the same time, to be a staff of the Nigerian government also meant joining the privileged ranks of those who get secure salaries for their entire career, and if they stay alive, a pension package at the end. Former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido summed the situation up during a talk when he stated that: “for every one Naira spent by Nigeria, seventy-kobo is consumed by civil servants.”

In the wake of the global push for more efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance, many young…