Navigating Religious Pluralism in Nigerian Public Administration: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into Governance, Identity, and Policy

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Abstract
This article investigates the impact of religion on public administration in Nigeria, with a particular focus on how religious beliefs and affiliations inform policymaking processes, bureaucratic conduct, and levels of public trust. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative survey analysis. The findings demonstrate that religious affiliation significantly shapes public perceptions of policy initiatives and trust in governmental institutions. Religious leaders are shown to play a pivotal role in the policy arena, frequently acting as intermediaries or gatekeepers between state actors and diverse societal constituencies. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that public trust is positively associated with religious identity, occupational status within the public sector, and age, while gender appears to exert negligible influence. By synthesising empirical evidence with theoretical perspectives on religious pluralism, this research elucidates the dual function of religion as both a foundation for ethical governance and a potential vector for bias. The study concludes by advocating for inclusive policy frameworks, enhanced interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of ethical training among public officials as strategies to advance equitable governance in Nigeria.

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