CORFEPS endorses civil service overhaul, urges ethical rebirth

The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) has pledged to collaborate with the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) in advancing reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s public service.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by CORFEPS officials led by former Minister of Defence, Mr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, to the Chairman of the FCSC, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, in Abuja.

Ahmed, who also previously served as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the visit was to reaffirm CORFEPS’ readiness to partner with the Commission and to congratulate Olaopa and other appointees on their new roles.

Describing Olaopa as “civil service personified,” Ahmed recalled his instrumental role in public service reforms during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He reminisced about a time when Nigeria’s civil service was held in high regard across the globe. “In those days, when we travelled to countries like New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Singapore, and across Africa, Nigeria was seen as the voice of the continent because of the reputation of our civil service for ethics, discipline, good remuneration, and transparency,” he said.

However, Ahmed lamented the current state of the civil service, citing a decline in values and the absence of structured training for character development in universities. He emphasized that producing effective public servants requires an atmosphere of trust, adequate compensation, and integrity.

He noted that the proliferation of government institutions and approving bodies had significantly driven up personnel costs, diverting funds that could have improved salaries and benefits for civil servants.

For a more effective civil service, Ahmed stressed the need for merit-based appointments, improved remuneration, and a proper application of the federal character principle.

He urged Olaopa and his team to approach their duties with patriotism and dedication, saying the future of Nigeria’s public service depends on bold and principled leadership.