Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for sustained investment in public service reforms, capacity building and digital transformation, saying such measures are critical to building an efficient and responsive civil service capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving governance needs.
The governor made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) in Port Harcourt.
The meeting brought together the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as well as Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing delegates, Fubara said the rapidly changing global environment, driven by technological advancement, shifting workforce dynamics and rising public expectations, demands a public service that is innovative, digitally enabled, accountable and focused on excellence.
He stressed that government institutions must move beyond merely responding to change and instead become drivers of transformation through policies that reward competence, integrity, innovation and outstanding performance.
Describing the civil service as the backbone of governance, Fubara said effective public institutions remain essential for translating government policies into meaningful programmes and delivering quality services to citizens.
“The strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public service.
”A professional, disciplined, innovative, and performance-driven civil service remains the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth, institutional stability, and public confidence are built, ” he said.
The governor urged members of the National Council on Establishments to ensure that their deliberations produce practical and implementable recommendations capable of strengthening institutional capacity, improving transparency, deepening professionalism and enhancing productivity across Nigeria’s public service.
Fubara also highlighted several reforms implemented by his administration to improve the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State. He said the government has maintained prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and Christmas bonuses, while restoring regular staff promotions to reward competence and years of service.
He noted that Rivers State also pays a minimum wage above the nationally approved benchmark, reflecting his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
The governor further disclosed that work is at an advanced stage on the renovation and modernization of the State Secretariat Complex, which he said would provide civil servants with a safer, technology-driven and more conducive working environment.
According to him, these initiatives demonstrate our unwavering conviction that when public servants are properly motivated, equipped, and empowered, they become stronger partners in delivering efficient governance and improving the quality of life of our people.
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 and commitment to reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service.
He expressed optimism that resolutions reached at the 48th National Council on Establishments meeting would shape future public service administration, strengthen career management systems, enhance institutional effectiveness and promote better governance across the country.
