Nigeria must invest in public service reforms: Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged Nigeria to prioritize sustained investment in public service reforms, strategic capacity development, and digital transformation. Speaking at the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments in Port Harcourt, Fubara stressed that government institutions must continually adapt to meet the evolving demands of the 21st century.

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As custodians of public service administration, entrusted with responsibilities relating to establishment matters, human resource management, job evaluation, career progression, and conditions of service, your decisions have far-reaching implications for national development, institutional effectiveness, and the quality of governance across our federation.

He highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement, changing workforce dynamics, and increasing citizen expectations, necessitating a public service that is agile, digitally enabled, accountable, and driven by excellence. Fubara stated that public institutions should not just adapt to change but anticipate and lead it by implementing policies that reward competence, innovation, integrity, and exceptional performance.

Describing the public service as the "engine room of government," Fubara explained its crucial role in translating policies into tangible programs, implementing development priorities, and delivering essential services. He asserted that without a competent, motivated, and efficient public service, no government can achieve its vision for sustainable development. The governor also noted that the strength of any government is reflected in the quality of its public service, which forms the foundation for economic growth, institutional stability, and public confidence.

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Indeed, the strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public service.

Fubara charged the council to approach its deliberations with vision and commitment to national progress, aiming for practical and implementable recommendations. He indicated that his administration in Rivers State continues to prioritize investments that enhance the welfare, productivity, and professional development of public servants.

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A professional, disciplined, innovative, and performance-driven civil service remains the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth, institutional stability, and public confidence are built.