Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s public service, urging governments at all levels to embrace digital transformation, strengthen institutional capacity and build a performance-driven civil service capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) in Port Harcourt, Fubara said the nation’s public institutions must become more agile, accountable, technology-driven and results-oriented to effectively implement government policies and accelerate national development.
The meeting was attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as well as Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The governor said rapid technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics and rising public expectations have made it imperative for governments to rethink the structure and operations of the civil service.
He urged public institutions to move beyond merely reacting to change by anticipating emerging challenges and driving reforms anchored on competence, innovation, integrity and excellence.
Describing the civil service as the “engine room of government,” Fubara said it remains the institution through which government policies are translated into tangible programmes and essential services for citizens.
He stressed that no administration can achieve sustainable development without a competent, motivated and efficient workforce, noting that the quality of governance is ultimately determined by the strength of the public service.
“The strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public service,” he said, adding that a disciplined, innovative and performance-driven workforce is essential for economic growth, institutional stability and public confidence.
Fubara challenged members of the National Council on Establishments to ensure that their deliberations produce practical and implementable resolutions capable of strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, enhancing professionalism and improving productivity across the public service.
Highlighting reforms undertaken by his administration, the governor said Rivers State has continued to prioritise the welfare and professional development of civil servants through improved remuneration and better working conditions.
He disclosed that the state pays a minimum wage above the nationally approved benchmark while sustaining the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and Christmas bonuses.
According to him, regular staff promotions have also been restored to reward competence and years of dedicated service, while the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the State Secretariat Complex is nearing completion to provide civil servants with a modern, technology-driven and conducive working environment.
Fubara said the initiatives underscore his administration’s commitment to building a motivated, well-equipped and productive workforce capable of delivering efficient and responsive governance.
The governor also commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for what he described as her visionary leadership in advancing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, innovation, performance management and institutional excellence within the Federal Civil Service.
He expressed confidence that the resolutions of the 48th National Council on Establishments would provide a new direction for public administration in Nigeria by strengthening governance, improving career management systems and positioning the civil service to meet the country’s future development aspirations.
