President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja announced that the Orosanye White Paper Report on federal civil service reforms would now be implemented, after an immediate review that he has ordered.
Against this background, he declared that the public service remains the engine room of government, and should attract the “best and brightest’’ that will fuel policies with fresh ideas.
Receiving the Central Working Committee of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) at the State House, Buhari said “I have directed that the Orosanye White Paper Report be subjected to immediate review to enable Government take the most appropriate decision on its general recommendation.
“I am aware that the review is about to be completed. While some may complain about the length of time it has taken thus far, the outcome of the various review teams would 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.”
The President said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would submit the harmonized white paper once it has been concluded.
He assured that the administration remained focused on strengthening the service and ensuring it helps the government fulfill its objectives.
The President noted that the government understood the role of the Civil Service in policy formulation and implementation towards the provision of socio-economic and political benefits to our citizens.
“This administration remains focused on strengthening the service and ensuring it helps the government fulfill 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 role and importance of the Civil Service cannot be over emphasized. A strong Civil Service is the bedrock on which good governance, policy execution and pathways for the delivery of democratic dividends can be achieved.
“I am further delighted to note your acknowledgement of the giant strides this administration has made since its inception in repositioning the Federal Civil Service for greater productivity and enhanced performance.
“I take note of the various milestone achievements you have listed which symbolizes our commitment to the Civil Service in spite of the many challenges that we encountered from the beginning of this journey,’’ he said.
On request for salary review for civil servants by the committee, the President acknowledged the urgent need for a general salary review in the Federal Public Service 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.
“This is compounded by global economic downturn as a result of the on-going Russian – Ukrainian war, which has led to price increases not just in the costs of goods and services globally, but also in the transportation of these goods and services across the globe.
“You are also aware of the enormous burden placed on our finances by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Furthermore, let me note the significant investment we have had to make in security over the last seven years, which means other sectors of the economy have not been able to receive as much funding as we would have liked. Only when our country is secured, that we are able to proceed and take on other aspects of our economic challenges,’’ he explained.
On the harmonization of salary in the Public Service, the President said a Committee was set up for that purpose, under the Minister of Finance which was still working.
According to President Buhari, “a report is being expected, to be submitted at the conclusion of its assignment, which would be studied for appropriate action.’’
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, said members of ASCSN had been supportive in actualizing programmes and policies of the administration, describing the leadership as mostly public servants that were versed in civil service procedure, “so when you negotiate with them it is easy and when you make the right point they know.’’
In his remarks, the President of ASCSN, Dr Tommy Okon, noted that the administration had been “worker- friendly’’ with implementation of far reaching reforms, which include regular payment of salaries and allowances, increase in minimum wage, extension of retirement age for some workers, like teachers, and sustenance of the size of public service in spite of constraints of financing.
Okon called for an increase in salaries of civil servants, following increasing cost of living, restoring full payment of gratuity at retirement, harmonization of public service salaries and allowances, and increase in the budget of the National Housing Fund.
