Civil service should not remain a conventional administrative institution – Olaopa
The chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) emphasized that achieving lasting reform requires more than mere leadership pronouncements. He underscored the necessity for integrity to be integral to the commission’s daily operations and organizational culture.
The chairman announced the commission’s five-year Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which will serve as a framework for consolidating reforms and enhancing its capacity to support the Federal Government’s governance and development initiatives. He outlined four key pillars of the plan:
1. Restoring the commission’s prominent role as the guardian of a respected public service profession and a pivotal institution for national transformation.
2. Accelerating digital transformation through initiatives such as e-recruitment, computer-based promotion examinations, and the digitalization of internal operations.
3. Professionalizing the commission’s Secretariat to bolster institutional capacity and service delivery.
4. Incorporating evidence-based practices, scientific methodologies, and international best practices in strategic planning, change management, and administrative operations.
The chairman indicated that the pursuit of these reforms would be facilitated by instituting stronger institutional discipline, enhancing performance management, and streamlining bureaucratic processes.
He identified a major priority as extending the benefits of federal civil service reforms to state and local government institutions. He expressed that Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 cannot solely rely on federal initiatives, highlighting the critical role of state and local governments in national economic transformation. He noted that subnational governments are closer to citizens and represent vital economic corridors, whose contributions must be fortified through professional and competent public service systems. To this end, he called upon the FCSC to establish strategic partnerships with state civil service commissions and support their involvement in the implementation of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also advocated for comprehensive institutional reforms, digital transformation, and a shift in workplace culture to develop a more efficient and professional civil service. In his address on the theme “Towards a Future-Ready Civil Service: The Role of Institutional Re-Engineering, Reputation Management and Culture Change in the Civil Service Commissions in Nigeria,” the governor described the civil service as essential for translating policies into action and delivering public services.
He noted that the effectiveness of public service hinges on robust institutions, skilled personnel, and a workplace culture rooted in professionalism, integrity, and accountability. The governor acknowledged the pressing need for the civil service to adopt new technologies and innovate its operations, especially in light of advancements such as artificial intelligence. He argued that strengthening public institutions, advocating for merit and fairness, safeguarding the service’s reputation, and cultivating a culture that rewards diligence, innovation, and productivity are all crucial for achieving efficient public administration.
Oborevwori asserted that the Delta State Government recognizes that fulfilling its development objectives necessitates a capable and motivated workforce. He shared that his administration is focused on capacity building, digital transformation, staff welfare, and improved working conditions under the MORE Agenda, which encompasses Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. Additionally, he reinforced his commitment to career progression and professional development, emphasizing that the quality of public service delivery largely depends on the competence and motivation of its workforce.
During the gathering, the chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Noble Lady (Chief) Roseline Eno Amioku, echoed the call for broad institutional reforms and a shift in work culture to enhance the Nigerian civil service’s efficiency and innovation. She described the meeting as a significant opportunity for administrative leaders to forge a new path for the public service.
Amioku stressed that the traditional view of the civil service as merely a bureaucratic apparatus must evolve into a more dynamic institution focused on innovation, national development, and effective service delivery. She pointed out the urgent need to address challenges, including capacity gaps, bureaucratic hurdles, negative public perceptions, and corruption.
She warned that civil service commissions, responsible for recruitment, promotion, discipline, and ethical standards, must embrace reforms or risk becoming obsolete in a rapidly evolving administrative landscape. Amioku highlighted that under Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, Delta State has prioritized institutional reform, particularly through the Realistic Reforms pillar, aiming to enhance the capabilities of public institutions and improve service delivery.
She outlined various initiatives the Delta State Civil Service Commission has undertaken, including digitalization, staff training, transparent promotion examinations, and rigorous staff monitoring. The commission is dedicated to ensuring that its processes are efficient, transparent, fair, and equitable. “Our belief is that a Civil Service Commission must not just be a referee; it must be a partner in the productivity of the workforce,” she stated.
