Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the recognition of technocrats in the civil service, noting that they are crucial in driving reforms and effective governance.
The former president stated this on Tuesday during the Aig-Imoukhede Foundation’s national workshop in Abuja.
“Technocrats have power, and we must recognise that,” he stressed.
“I will continue to respect the Nigerian public service, particularly the technocrats until I die,” he added.
The Aig-Imoumhuede Foundation is a philanthropic organisation committed to improving Africa’s public service and access to primary health care.
While citing examples of technocrats, Obasanjo referred to the permanent secretaries and other civil servants as personalities in that category.
“Reform requires political heads and technocrats working together, respecting and understanding each other. That’s when you can have real reform,” he stressed.
“The greatest pain of reform is discontinuity. Continuity of personnel is crucial. Reform is a lifelong process, a journey, not a destination,” he added.
While commending the outgoing and incoming heads of service, he expressed delight that the females were the ones at the helm of affairs of the Civil Service.
“I’m delighted that a lady is handing over to another lady. For me, we are getting there, and we will get there,” Obasanjo said.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, in a key note address spoke passionately about reforms and its challenges.
“Reforming a system can be daunting and challenges will arise. It is essential to recognise that there are no infallible systems and reform is continuous,” she said.
She said that the Office of the Head of Service is making frantic efforts to address the challenges, including wide stakeholder consultation, governance structure for reform initiatives and capacity building.
Esan also emphasised the key elements for successful reform programs. “Systems and support structures, partnerships, high-level monitoring, capacity building, compensation systems, and change management strategy are crucial for success.”
She also acknowledged the progress made in re-engineering the civil service. “It is essential to recognize and celebrate the good work of our officers and partners while sanctioning indiscipline and poor performance.”
The chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said: “It is not their public service, it is your public service, it is our public service, and understand that as it strengthens, you strengthen as well.”
He stressed the importance of efficient and motivated public service in achieving good governance, production and distribution of public goods, formulation and implementation of economic policy as well as management of public expenditure.
He noted that Nigeria’s current Human Development Index ranking of 161 out of 189 countries was a reflection of the performance of government over several decades.
He also stressed the need for a strong public service: “This is what is holding us back. And you would agree that there’s a correlation between the strength of a country’s public sector and its strength as a nation.”
Aig-Imoukhuede also disclosed the foundation’s efforts to transform public service delivery, including building a critical mass of public sector leaders, providing technical support and funding for digitization efforts, and upskilling thousands of workers in the civil service.
He called on all stakeholders to join hands and make a commitment to reform the public service.
“This conversation does not end here. And indeed, the Nigerian Public Sector Reform Project reboots here,” he said.
