Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for sustained investment in public service reforms, capacity development and digital transformation, warning that Nigeria must reposition its public institutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) in Port Harcourt, Fubara said the country’s public service must become more agile, technology-driven, accountable and performance-oriented to effectively deliver on government policies and national development goals.
The meeting brought together the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, alongside Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The governor stressed that advances in technology, changing workforce dynamics and rising public expectations require governments to rethink the structure and operations of the civil service.
According to him, public institutions should not merely respond to change but anticipate and lead it through policies that reward competence, innovation, integrity and outstanding performance.
Describing the public service as the “engine room of government,” Fubara said it remains the institution through which government policies are translated into programmes and essential services delivered to citizens.
He noted that no administration can achieve sustainable development without a competent, motivated and efficient workforce.
“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 civil service is fundamental to 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 recommendations capable of strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency, deepening professionalism and improving productivity across the Nigerian 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 maintaining prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and Christmas bonuses.
The governor also said regular staff promotions have been restored to reward competence and years of service, while work is nearing completion on the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the State Secretariat Complex to provide civil servants with a technology-driven and conducive work environment.
According to him, these measures reflect his administration’s belief that a motivated and well-equipped workforce is critical to efficient governance and improved service delivery.
Fubara also commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for what he described as her bold leadership in driving reforms aimed at improving professionalism, innovation, performance management and institutional excellence within the Federal Civil Service.
He expressed optimism that the resolutions of the 48th National Council on Establishments meeting would shape the future of public administration in Nigeria by strengthening institutions, improving career management systems and enhancing governance nationwide.
