By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Stakeholders have advocated for stronger institutions, leveraging evolving technology, innovation and inclusive governance for organisations reform.
They made the call at the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards in commemoration of the UN’s Public Service Day organised by Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja.
The event had its theme as “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion.”
Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi, said the lecture series was part of the ongoing reform efforts aimed at translating local goals and international priorities through stakeholder engagement, promotion of good practices and support for effective public service delivery.
Arabi said the public service had been addressing institutional bottlenecks, legacy systems, fragmented processes, weak citizens’ engagement and persistent inequalities that erode public trust through sound leadership, policies and reforms.
He stressed that transformational reforms must benefit women, youths, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups, describing inclusion as both an ethical obligation and a practical necessity.
According to him, the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has launched major initiatives to promote innovation.
Such initiatives he mentioned included the National Council for Digital Innovation, investment incentives and reforms aimed at connecting investors, financiers and communities to drive economic growth.
He said measurable gains had been recorded in public financial management through the Treasury Single Account and the digitalisation of government financial processes.
Arabi disclosed that the public service had commenced the introduction of one-stop service centres to enable the citizens access services from multiple government agencies from a single point.
He underscored the need for clear reform programmes, measurable targets, institutional incentives, integrity and robust change management, as well as accountability mechanisms, transparency and independent oversight to improve performance.
Arabi also urged public servants to embrace technology, data-driven decision-making and collaboration, while responding to emerging challenges such as flooding, heat stress and other environmental pressures affecting health, infrastructure and service delivery.
Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said the quality of decisions, speed of response, cost efficiency, transparency and results delivered by public servants were critical indicators of government effectiveness.
Represented by Dr Danjuma Usman, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, she described the lecture series as timely, saying it provided an opportunity for public servants to reflect on the future of the service and their responsibilities in meeting citizens’ expectations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, represented by AIG Henry Uche, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to promoting collaboration with civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in the pursuit of national security.
He said sustainable progress required innovation and active participation of all segments of society.
Alhaji Bukar Goni, Lead lecturer and former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, emphasised the need for transformation of institutions beyond reforms on paper.
Goni stressed the importance of building systems that function effectively irrespective of leadership changes.
He called for the resolution of institutional rivalries and noting that technology should support, rather than replace reforms.
Also speaking, Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, represented by the state Head of Civil Service, Prof. Muazu Shehu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reforms and digitalisation to improve service delivery.
He said reforms at the federal level would achieve little unless they were effectively implemented at the subnational level.
”No reform at the centre can solve the challenges of the country without being cascaded to the subnational levels,” he said.
Prof. Isaac Obasi of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja in a lecture entitled “Building Responsive and Citizen-Centred Public Service for National Development,” advocated policies that deliver tangible benefits in different sectors as priorities for effective service delivery to citizens.
The event featured government, private institutions and partners that had improved in organisational reforms, made contributions as well and awards to outstanding state governments and organisations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu