This paper examines the challenges of change and leadership in the Nigerian public sector, using exploratory method. Change is not a new phenomenon; rather, it is the character of any living system including organizations, irrespective of it being either private or public. Change can be a time of exciting opportunity for some and a time of loss, disruption or threat for others. The Nigerian public sector is confronted by lots of challenges, amongst which is that of change and leadership. Areas where change and leadership challenges occur in the Nigerian public sector include technology, government structure and processes, mindset/belief system of public servants and government purpose and activities. In addition to the constraint of the political system, the constraints of complexity and non-flexibility of the bureaucratic system makes it difficult for leaders in the public sector to respond swiftly to changes. However, what makes change and leadership a challenge to public sector is the environment, situation, system of governance or type of government and the sector in which these leaders find themselves. The paper that to lead in times of change is to brace up with the reality.