Public Corporations can deliver on their mandate if

Analyze the question The question asks what condition would let public corporations (government-owned bodies like NNPC, NEPA/PHCN, Nigerian Railway Corporation) achieve the purposes for which they were set up. Note that option A has a typo: "corporation" almost certainly stands for "corruption," so it reads "incidence of corruption and mismanagement were dealt with."

Concept Public corporations are set up by an Act of Parliament to provide essential services, generate revenue, and promote development. In Nigeria, their main problems have been:

• Corruption and embezzlement of funds
• Poor management and inefficiency
• Political interference
• Over-staffing and a lack of accountability

If these problems are solved, the corporations can perform effectively.

Evaluating the options

• A. Dealing with corruption and mismanagement. This addresses the root cause of failure, so it is correct.
• B. Securing loans to pay staff well. Borrowing does not fix inefficiency, and it adds debt. Good pay helps motivation, but it is not the main solution.
• C. Politicians as board members. This invites political interference, which is one of the causes of the failure of public corporations.
• D. Religious institutions praying for them. This is not a practical administrative measure.

Answer: A

Exam tip: In Government questions about why public institutions fail, think "corruption, mismanagement, and political interference." The option that removes these problems is usually correct, and the option that adds political influence is usually a distractor.