Follow Us on Google
The recent approval of a civil servant pay rise and a ten billion naira housing loan scheme by the Federal Government has generated thoughtful conversation across the country.
According to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson Jack, the initiative will be implemented through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, with the goal of improving access to home ownership and strengthening worker stability and productivity.
This is a commendable move. It signals a recognition that the welfare of public servants is not a side issue. It is central to national development. When people feel secure, supported and valued, they show up differently. As Walson Jack noted, a person who owns their own home stands differently, with more stability, focus and purpose..
This aligns strongly with what psychology has taught us for decades. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that people cannot fully express their creativity, innovation or leadership potential when their basic physiological and safety needs are uncertain. Food, shelter, security and financial stability form the foundation upon which productivity and excellence are built. When these needs are met, individuals rise to higher levels of performance. When they are not, even the most talented people struggle.
From that perspective, the government’s decision is not only a welfare intervention. It is a strategic investment in the civil service. It is an investment in the machinery that keeps the country running. It is an investment in the people who translate policy into action.
As someone who has engaged with the Nigerian civil service over the years, I have seen both the dedication of many public servants and the pressures they face. I have also seen the gaps that exist, not because people lack ability, but because systems sometimes make it difficult for them to operate at their best. These experiences have shaped my belief that when we strengthen the environment around public servants, we strengthen the entire nation.
In my work in Kitchener, we learned that a thriving public service does not happen by accident. It requires intentionality. We focused on attracting strong talent, offering competitive compensation, investing in training and setting clear performance expectations.
The results have been evident in the recognitions our city has received across planning, innovation, service delivery and urban design. These achievements came from a combination of vision, structure and a committed workforce.
Nigeria has the same potential. In fact, Nigeria has even greater potential because of the sheer scale of its talent and the energy of its people. The recent housing initiative shows that the government is thinking about long term stability and productivity. It is encouraging to see this direction, and it opens the door for further reforms that can strengthen the civil service even more.
A few areas could complement the progress already being made.
Other News
First, recruitment. A modern civil service thrives when it attracts the best talent. This means identifying individuals who bring skill, passion and a commitment to public service. It also means creating an environment where excellence is recognised and supported.
Second, compensation. If the goal is to attract and retain top talent, then compensation must reflect that ambition. When public service becomes a competitive and respected career path, the entire system benefits.
Third, training and development. Continuous learning is essential. Training should go beyond classroom sessions. It should include exposure to global best practices, coaching, certifications and opportunities that stretch people to grow.
Fourth, accountability. Strong systems help people do their best work. In many countries, accountability frameworks are not punitive. They are supportive. They help identify gaps, encourage improvement and ensure that public resources are used effectively.
Fifth, performance management. Clear expectations help staff understand what success looks like. When people know what they are working toward, they are more focused and more motivated.
These ideas are not criticisms. They are reflections drawn from experience in different contexts. Every country evolves its public service over time. Canada continues to refine its own systems. Nigeria is doing the same. The important thing is that the direction is positive, and the recent housing initiative is evidence of that.
One thing I have always believed is that the civil service is the oxygen of government.
Government provides the vision. The civil service brings that vision to life. When the civil service is empowered, supported and equipped, the entire nation benefits.
The Federal Government’s decision to support civil servants with improved pay and access to housing is a meaningful step. It acknowledges the humanity of the workforce and the importance of their role. It also reflects a broader philosophy that a well supported civil servant is a more effective civil servant, and a more effective civil service delivers a stronger Nigeria.
As reforms continue, I am hopeful. Nigeria has the talent. Nigeria has the potential. And with thoughtful policies like this, Nigeria is taking steps toward building the civil service of tomorrow: digital, efficient, transparent, accountable and innovation driven.
That is a future worth investing in.
• Owodunni is City Councilor of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
