Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s public service, saying an efficient, professional and technology-driven civil service is essential for sustainable national development.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishment in Port Harcourt, the governor urged public service administrators to adopt practical reforms that would strengthen governance and improve service delivery across the country.
Fubara welcomed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as other delegates attending the meeting.
Describing the National Council on Establishment as the nation’s highest advisory body on public service matters, he said its resolutions have continued to shape policies, standards and institutional frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of the civil service.
He noted that the public service remains the engine of government, responsible for translating policies into tangible development programmes and essential services, stressing that no government can achieve meaningful progress without a competent, motivated and productive workforce.
The governor urged participants to come up with practical recommendations that would strengthen institutions, promote transparency, uphold professionalism and improve productivity.
According to him, the rapidly changing global environment, driven by technological advancement and rising public expectations, requires governments to embrace digital transformation, continuous capacity building and performance-based systems that reward competence, innovation and integrity.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Fubara said Rivers State pays a minimum wage above the national benchmark, while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and bonuses, alongside regular staff promotions.
He added that the state government is also close to completing the modernisation of the State Secretariat Complex to provide a safer, more conducive and technology-driven working environment for civil servants.
Fubara commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for championing reforms and innovation in the federal civil service, noting that Rivers State is studying some of the initiatives for possible adoption.
He expressed optimism that the council’s resolutions would strengthen public institutions, improve career management and enhance effective governance for national development.
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