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Federal Government’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030 could be undermined without a more efficient, accountable and technologically driven Civil Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has warned.
Olaopa said achieving the economic target under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would require a fundamental transformation of the Civil Service to strengthen policy implementation, managerial capacity and institutional accountability.
He spoke on Monday in Asaba, Delta State, when he led Federal Commissioners and Chairmen and Members of State and FCT Civil Service Commissions on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday John Onyeme, at Government House.
The visit formed part of activities marking the 45th National Council of the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation.
The FCSC chairman said the Commission was working to reposition the Federal Civil Service by strengthening policy intelligence, managerial capability and bureaucratic efficiency, with greater emphasis on technology adoption and accountability to Nigerians.
He disclosed that the Commission had developed a strategic plan to improve the organisational intelligence and operational capacity of the Federal Civil Service, which all 36 states signed up to last year.
According to him, the Commission is currently undertaking a baseline assessment to establish the level of implementation by state civil service commissions in the past year.
Olaopa said the exercise would also help identify pilot states that could serve as champions of the reform programme, with incentives to encourage implementation across the federation.
He identified the promotion of merit, competition for skilled personnel with the private sector, generational transition and wage issues as some of the major challenges confronting the Civil Service.
Tracing the history of the institution to its conception in Britain in 1853, Olaopa said the Civil Service Commission was established principally to promote and protect merit, while also ensuring the implementation of the Federal Character principle.
He stressed the need to strike a balance between merit and the constitutional requirement of fair representation in the public service.
The FCSC chairman, however, commended the Delta State Government for implementing the new minimum wage, describing the move as a morale booster for workers and an indication that staff welfare remained central to effective public service reforms.
He said improving workers’ welfare was necessary to building a motivated workforce capable of delivering on government policies and development objectives.
Responding, the Delta State Deputy Governor, Onyeme, welcomed the delegation and assured it of the state government’s continued support and hospitality throughout the three-day National Council meeting.
He commended the FCSC for selecting Delta State as host and acknowledged its leadership in driving reforms aimed at repositioning the Civil Service for improved service delivery.
