Nigeria cannot achieve its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030 without a more efficient, accountable and technology-driven civil service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has said.
Olaopa said an effective public service was essential to implementing the Federal Government’s economic policies and delivering the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He spoke in Asaba, Delta State, during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday John Onyeme, as part of activities marking the 45th National Council of the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation.
The FCSC chairman led federal commissioners, alongside chairmen and members of state and Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commissions, on the visit to Government House.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ibraheem Zakariyya, Olaopa said the commission was strengthening policy intelligence, managerial capacity and bureaucratic efficiency through greater technology adoption and accountability.
FCSC Develops Strategic Plan for Civil Service Reforms
Olaopa disclosed that the commission had developed a strategic plan aimed at improving the organisational capacity and performance of the federal civil service.
He said all 36 states had signed on to the plan last year, while the commission was conducting a baseline assessment to determine the progress made in implementing its provisions.
He added that incentives would be introduced to identify and support pilot states capable of driving the reforms across the country.
The FCSC chairman explained that the Civil Service Commission, first conceived in Britain in 1853, was established to promote and protect merit in public service, while also managing and implementing Nigeria’s Federal Character principle.
Merit, Talent Retention Challenge Civil Service
Olaopa identified several challenges confronting the civil service, including difficulties in implementing merit-based practices, competing with the private sector for skilled workers, generational transitions and wage issues.
He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to build a workforce capable of meeting the country’s changing administrative and economic demands.
The FCSC chairman, however, commended the Delta State Government for implementing the new minimum wage, describing the move as a morale booster for workers.
He said the decision demonstrated the importance of putting staff welfare at the centre of public service reforms.
Delta Government Commends Civil Service Reform Efforts
Responding, Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme welcomed the delegation and assured it of the state government’s continued support throughout the three-day council meeting.
Onyeme also commended the FCSC for choosing Delta State as the host of the meeting and for its efforts to reposition the civil service for improved service delivery.
The commission said its ongoing reforms were aimed at building a more effective public service capable of supporting national development and Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition by 2030.
