The main objective of this paper is to highlight the indispensability of
ethics or sound ethical conduct as a basis for effective service delivery in
the Nigerian public sector. If Nigeria must get development
initiative/efforts right in the 21st century, then the transformation agenda of
this present administration must be anchored on sound public service
values and enduring ethical practices. This much has been demonstrated in
the paper with heavy reliance on the utilitarian theory, secondary sources
of data backed by the analytical method. The paper concluded that the
march towards an ethical based public service must continue and be
regarded as series of “work in progress”. The paper recommended among
others that there is an urgent and continuous need to remould the thought
and conduct of civil/public servants and officials of government through
the development of ethics and value reorientation that is anchored on
accountability and transparency in public service. It further recommended
strong commitment to implementation of laws, enforcement of sanctions
and strengthening of institutions of governance on a continuous basis.