Challenges obstructing effective public sector reforms in Nigeria were addressed by civil service and public service stakeholders at a recent national workshop by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
The workshop, theme, ‘Rethinking Reforms: Why Many Reforms Fail in Nigeria and What We Can Do About It’, featured perceptions of state and non-state research respondents on the impact of nepotism, corruption, and accountability deficits on public service delivery.
According to a statement, civil servants and non-state actors called for the discontinuance of existing practices, such as job slots while canvassing for more meritocratic processes.
The national workshop featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr ‘Dere Awosika, Dr Magdalene Ajani, Dr Joe Abah, Uyi Akpata, and ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, who shared insights on the complexities of public sector reform and what can be done to ensure its success.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised the significance of continuity in the reform process, stating, “The greatest bane of reforms is discontinuity of the key actors.
“Any break in continuity means virtually the end of reform.”
Participants at the workshop identified the lack of a consensus on the national goal of development, the poor quality of the country’s politics, and weak consequence management as the primary obstacles to progress.
They suggested a multi-pronged strategy encompassing the strengthening of accountability mechanisms through the use of technology, robust investments in human capital development, enhanced citizen participation to build public trust, and improved collaboration to solve the challenges.
The Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said the workshop marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s public sector reform journey.
“By working together, we can create a public sector that truly serves the needs and the aspirations of the Nigerian citizens, because those are who we truly serve,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.
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