Using the Lagos State Civil Service as a case study, this project explores how motivation shapes engagement and effectiveness among civil servants. This study also analyzed relevant issues such as the impact of regular salary payments (and other incentives) on performance to ascertain whether civil servants are motivated by a sense of civic duty or financial rewards. Through a mix of literature review, interview, focus group and online survey, the researcher investigated various challenges to the growth of civil service in Nigeria. Challenges such as the ghost worker syndrome, corruption, resistance to change management, slow adoption of technology, among others were also examined to identify major causes of low productivity among civil servants. Every research respondent was a current or past employee of the Lagos State Civil Service. To improve the validity and reliability of results, the author draws inferences and recommendations from a qualitative analysis involving both primary and secondary data.