The Civil service the Engine room of Nigerian development that has been abandoned for too long.
The need to rejuvenate the civil service in Nigeria is more pressing now than ever before. The hardworking and committed civil servants are the poorest working people in the country, and it is simply unacceptable. Not only does this discourage their commitment to work, but it also creates an avenue for fraudulent activities to take place within the civil service.
One of the most unfair practices in the civil service is the fact that some civil servants are considered more important than others in terms of their monthly emolument and the duty tour allowance. This disparity in treatment needs to be addressed. These individuals have dedicated a significant portion of their working lives to serving our country, and it is disheartening to see them being mistreated in this way. If we expect any meaningful progress in the civil service, it is crucial that we address these longstanding issues.
For instance, the house rent allowances and transport allowances need to be adjusted to align with the realistic costs in the open market. Additionally, the reintroduction of the leave grant that was canceled would provide much-needed relief for civil servants. To rejuvenate the civil service and ensure that it is a thriving and efficient sector, a number of strategies should be employed.
Firstly, adopting New Public Management (NPM) reforms will be vital. These reforms represent a radical change in the traditional ways of public service delivery and offer important lessons for public management worldwide. The aim is to make agencies more cost and customer-aware, leading to higher efficiency and quality.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need to promote transparency and accountability. Reforms should focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government agencies. This can help address challenges such as weak organizational structures, corruption, and poor remuneration.
Digitalizing public sector operations will also be crucial. The use of technology can improve service delivery and transparency in the Nigerian civil service. Digitalization can help streamline processes, reduce corruption, and enhance the overall efficiency of government agencies.
Improving service quality is another vital aspect. Implementing policies and initiatives such as the SERVICOM policy can help enhance service quality in the Nigerian public sector. This policy aims to introduce major changes into the civil service and has been met with resistance in some quarters, but its positive impact cannot be overlooked.
Addressing negative attitudes towards work is also paramount. A major issue impeding excellent service delivery in the Nigerian civil service is the negative attitude towards work. Addressing this issue can help improve the overall performance of civil service employees and enhance service delivery.
Enhancing workplace motivation is crucial as well. Motivating employees and ensuring good work habits can lead to improved service delivery in the Nigerian civil service. This can be achieved through appropriate rewards and recognition systems, as well as providing a supportive work environment.
Lastly, strengthening policy formulation and coordination is key. There is a need for better coordination between federal, state, and local government levels in policy formulation and implementation. This can help ensure that the Nigerian civil service is effective and responsive to the needs of the people.
By implementing these strategies, the Nigerian civil service will improve its service delivery and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. It is high time that we prioritize the rejuvenation of the civil service to ensure that it becomes a sector that thrives and serves the nation effectively.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group ( AATSG)
14th December, 2023.
