DETECTING EARLY WARNING SIGNALS OF PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY FAILURE: EVIDENCE FROM NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined early warning signals of public service delivery failure in Nsukka Local Government Area. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 397 residents aged 18–60 years using a structured questionnaire complemented by key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ²) inferential analysis were employed. Findings revealed that delays in public service delivery are widespread, with 37.3% of respondents experiencing delays very often and 30.5% often. Inadequate funding and resource shortages were identified as major indicators of service delivery failure, with 70.5% of respondents reporting these factors to a large or very large extent. Chi-square analysis showed that identifiable indicators significantly signal impending service delivery failure (χ² = 162.84, p < 0.05). The study further found a significant association between early detection mechanisms and perceived effectiveness (χ² = 98.21, p < 0.05), with citizen feedback (34.8%) and periodic service evaluation reports (25.4%) ranked as the most effective tools. Monitoring and audit mechanisms were also found to significantly influence service delivery outcomes (χ² = 74.36, p < 0.05), although their effectiveness was rated low by respondents. The study concludes that early identification of service delivery warning signals, strengthened monitoring systems, and improved resource management are critical for enhancing public service delivery performance.