Why Nigeria must invest in public service reforms — Fubara

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made a strong case for sustained investment in reforms, strategic capacity development and digital transformation of the public service in Nigeria.

Fubara, who made the recommendation on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments held in Port Harcourt, said government must continually rethink and reposition public institutions to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

The meeting was attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Heads of Service of the thirty -six states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing the participants at the meeting, Fubara stated that with the rapid technological advancement, changing workforce dynamics, increasing citizen expectations, and emerging global realities, there is a need for a public service that is agile, digitally enabled, accountable, and driven by excellence.

He said public institutions must not merely adapt to change; they must anticipate and lead it through policies that reward competence, innovation, integrity, and exceptional performance.

The governor described the public service as the engine room of government, through which policies are translated into tangible programmes, development priorities implemented, and essential public services delivered to citizens.

According to him, without a competent, motivated, and efficient public service, no government can fully realise its vision for sustainable development.

As custodians of public service administration, entrusted with responsibilities relating to establishment matters, human resource management, job evaluation, career progression, and conditions of service, your decisions have far-reaching implications for national development, institutional effectiveness, and the quality of governance across our federation.

“Indeed, the strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public service.

“A professional, disciplined, innovative, and performance-driven civil service remains the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth, institutional stability, and public confidence are built,” he said.

Fubara charged the NCE to approach its deliberations with vision, courage, and a strong commitment to national progress, stressing that the discussions should produce practical, forward-looking, and implementable recommendations that will strengthen institutional capacity, promote transparency, deepen professionalism, and improve productivity throughout the Nigerian Public Service.

Under his administration, Fubara said, Rivers State has continued to prioritise investments that enhance the welfare, productivity, and professional development of public servants because of his belief that no development agenda can succeed without a motivated, competent, and adequately supported workforce.

“Beyond implementing a minimum wage that exceeds the nationally approved threshold, we have sustained the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, and Christmas bonuses.

“We have also restored regular promotions, ensuring that dedication, competence, and years of service receive the recognition they deserve.

Furthermore, work is at an advanced stage on the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the State Secretariat Complex, which will provide our workforce with a modern, safe, technology-driven, and conducive working environment that reflects the dignity and importance of public service.

“These initiatives demonstrate our unwavering conviction that when public servants are properly motivated, equipped, and empowered, they become stronger partners in delivering efficient governance and improving the quality of life of our people,” Fubara stated.

He commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for the bold leadership and transformative reforms she has introduced to reposition the Federal Civil Service.

According to the governor, her commitment to professionalism, innovation, performance management, and institutional excellence continues to inspire confidence and set new benchmarks for public administration in Nigeria.

Fubara expressed hope that the outcome of the 48th meeting of the Council will influence the future direction of public service administration, strengthen institutional capacity, improve career management systems, and ultimately contribute to more effective governance across the nation.