Efficient Civil Service key to achieving $1tn economy by 2030—FCSC chairman

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has said that achieving Nigeria’s proposed $1 trillion economy by 2030 will depend on an efficient, accountable and future-ready Civil Service.

Olaopa said this in a press statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ibraheem Zakariyya, following a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday John Onyeme, at Government House, Asaba.

He led Federal Commissioners, as well as chairmen and members of State and FCT Civil Service Commissions, on the visit as part of activities marking the 45th National Council of the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation.

The FCSC chairman said the Commission was strengthening policy intelligence, managerial capacity and bureaucratic efficiency through increased technology adoption and accountability to Nigerians.

He said the Commission had developed a strategic plan to improve organisational capacity across the Federal Civil Service, which all 36 states of the federation signed onto last year.

According to him, the Commission is currently conducting a baseline assessment to determine the level of implementation of the plan by state civil service commissions in the past year.

He added that incentives would be introduced to encourage states that demonstrate commitment to the plan and produce pilot champions to drive its implementation across the country.

Olaopa explained that the Civil Service Commission, which was first conceived in Britain in 1853, was established to promote and protect merit in public service recruitment and administration, while also ensuring the implementation of the Federal Character principle.

He, however, identified some challenges confronting the Civil Service, including difficulties in enforcing merit, competition with the private sector for skilled workers, generational transition and wage-related issues.

The FCSC chairman commended the Delta State Government for implementing the new minimum wage, describing the move as a morale booster for workers and an example of placing staff welfare at the centre of public service reforms.

In his response, Onyeme welcomed the delegation and assured members of the state government’s continued support and hospitality throughout the three-day council meeting.

The deputy governor also commended the FCSC for choosing Delta State as the host of the meeting and for its efforts to drive reforms aimed at repositioning the Civil Service for improved service delivery.