Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari says that as the Public Service should be the “engine room of Government”, it must be able to attract the best and brightest who could fuel policies with fresh ideas.
He was commenting on the long-delayed Oronsaye Report, initially submitted to the Government in 2011, then shelved because of its controversial proposals to either merge of scrap more than 263 Government Agencies, among other matters.
The Report has now been dusted off and is currently being subjected to an updating review.
Mr Buhari (pictured) said that review was almost completed.
“While some may complain about the length of time it has taken thus far, the outcome of the various review teams will lead to some fundamental changes in the structure of our Civil Service and as such it must be subjected to rigorous review and scrutiny before presentation and implementation,’’ Mr Buhari said.
“It will be harmonised into a White Paper and submitted to the Government.”
He said his administration remained focused on strengthening the Public Service and ensuring it helped the Government fulfil its objectives.
“The Civil Service must not be seen as a dumping ground for job seekers, but must attract the best and the brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and a determination to solving our socio-economic problems,’’ the President said.
“The role and importance of the Civil Service cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.
“A strong Civil Service is the bedrock on which good governance, policy execution and pathways for the delivery of democratic dividends can be achieved.”
Asked if a salary adjustment was part of the review, Mr Buhari acknowledged there was an urgent need for one due to worldwide problems of high inflation amidst general economic disruption.
“However, I wish to urge you to appreciate the revenue constraints being presently faced by Government which is caused mainly by the activities of unscrupulous citizens through the theft of our crude oil, a major contributor to our revenue base,” he said.
Abuja, 22 August 2022
