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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged public service administrators across Nigeria to champion reforms that will reposition the civil service to meet modern governance demands, describing an efficient workforce as the backbone of national development.
Speaking at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishment in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Fubara welcomed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, heads of service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside other delegates.
He described the National Council on Establishment as the country's highest advisory body on public service matters, noting that its resolutions play a vital role in shaping policies, structures and standards that drive an efficient and responsive civil service.
According to the governor, the public service remains the engine room of governance, translating government policies into development projects and essential services for citizens. He stressed that no administration could achieve sustainable development without a competent, motivated and productive workforce.
Fubara challenged delegates to produce practical and forward-looking recommendations that would strengthen institutions, promote transparency, deepen professionalism and improve productivity across the public service.
He observed that rapid technological changes, evolving workforce expectations and increasing public demand for quality service required governments to embrace digital transformation, continuous capacity building and performance-driven policies that reward competence, innovation and integrity.
Highlighting his administration's achievements, the governor said Rivers State had prioritised workers' welfare through the payment of a minimum wage above the national benchmark, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and bonuses, as well as regular staff promotions.
He also disclosed that the state government was nearing completion of plans to modernise the State Secretariat Complex into a safer, technology-driven and more conducive workplace for civil servants.
Fubara commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for her leadership in driving reforms, professionalism and innovation within the federal civil service, adding that Rivers State was studying the initiatives with a view to adopting similar measures.
He expressed confidence that the outcome of the council's deliberations would strengthen public institutions, improve career management systems and contribute significantly to more effective governance and national development.
