Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has underscored the vital role of technocrats in the civil service, stressing their importance for driving reforms and effective governance.
Speaking at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s national workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, Obasanjo asserted, “Technocrats have power, and we must recognise that.”
Obasanjo referred to Permanent Secretaries and other civil servants as technocrats, highlighting their crucial role in reform efforts.
“Reform requires political heads and technocrats working together, respecting and understanding each other. That’s when you can have real reform,” he said.
The former president also touched on the importance of continuity in personnel for successful reforms.
“The greatest pain of reform is discontinuity. Continuity of personnel is crucial. Reform is a lifelong process, a journey, not a destination,” Obasanjo noted.
He praised the transition of leadership within the civil service, saying, “I’m delighted that a lady is handing over to another lady. For me, we are getting there, and we will get there.”
Obasanjo reaffirmed his respect for the Nigerian public service, stating, “I will continue to respect the Nigerian public service, particularly the technocrats, until I die.”
In her keynote address, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, discussed the challenges of reform in Nigeria.
“Reforming a system can be daunting, and challenges will arise. It is essential to recognise that there are no infallible systems, and reform is continuous,” Esan said.
She identified impediments to successful reform, including a lack of inclusive strategy, poor funding, and resistance to change.
Esan highlighted the efforts of the Office of the Head of Service to address these challenges, such as stakeholder consultations, governance structure improvements, and capacity building.
She emphasized, “Systems and support structures, partnerships, high-level monitoring, capacity building, compensation systems, and change management strategy are crucial for success.”
Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, stressed the importance of a strong public service in achieving good governance.
“It is not their public service, it is your public service, it is our public service, and understand that as it strengthens, you strengthen as well,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.
He linked the country’s Human Development Index ranking to the performance of its public service and called for collective commitment to reform.
“This conversation does not end here. And indeed, the Nigerian Public Sector Reform Project reboots here,” he concluded.