Delta State Civil Service (DSCS) like other states’ civil service in Nigeria is established to implement
government policies. The objectives that informed this study have to do with the unique role undertaken
by competent workforce for the realization of government goals. Over the years Delta State Government
is faced with the challenge of poor implementation of its policies. One of the major problems is shortage
of competent staff. To achieve the objectives of the study, questionnaires were administered to staff at the
Delta State Civil Service Commission (DSCSC) Asaba, the state capital through the systematic random
sampling technique. In addition, structured interview was carried out with staff at the Office of the Head
of Service of the State Civil Service and DSCSC to elicit information from respondents. The result shows
among others that policies on staff recruitment in the State Civil Service is a mixture of merit, political
consideration, element of ‘god fatherism’ and equal representation of citizens. The study recommends
that DSCS should put in place proper staff recruitment policies that emphasize among others merit, and
also appropriate staff retention strategies such as adequate rewards and incentives capable of motivating
and retaining competent workforce for enhanced performance.