ORONSAYE REPORT: RESTRUCTURE IMMINENT IN CIVIL SERVICE—–BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the report of oronsaye presidential committee will lead to fundamental changes in the structure of civil service and as such must be subjected to rigorous review and scrutiny before presentation and implementation.
Speaking with the Central Working Committee of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Abuja today, he pointed out that public service remains the engine room of government, that should attract the “best and brightest’’ that will fuel policies with fresh ideas.
He disclosed that the report will soon be implemented saying that he directed it to be subjected to immediate review to enable government take the most appropriate decision on its general recommendation.
He assured that his administration will remain focused on strengthening the service and ensuring it helps the government fulfill its objectives.
The federal government had in November last year inaugurated two sub-committees headed by former heads of service of the federation – Bukar Aji, Ama Pepple and Oladapo Afolabi – on the implementation.
The federal government also inaugurated the white paper committee chaired by another former head of service, Ebele Okeke, to review the new parastatals, agencies and Commission that were created since 2014.
President Buhari said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will submit the harmonised white paper once it has been concluded
The president noted that the government understands the role of the Civil Service in policy formulation and implementation towards the provision of socio-economic and political benefits to our citizens
He said that “the civil service must not be a dumping ground for job seekers, but must attract the best and the brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and determination to solving our socio-economic problems”
President Buhari appreciated civil servants for their role in realizing targets of the administration.
“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 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.
He pleaded for understanding of the revenue constrains imposed by crude oil theft, covid19 pandemic, insecurity and the 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.
President Buhari said that the huge cost of security to the neglect of other sectors of the economy has been overwhelming, he lamented that investment in security assets had been at a huge cost, after several decades of negligence.
“However, my confidence in the Nigerian Armed forces is unshaken, and I have tasked the Chief of Defence Staff and his service chiefs to take the war to these criminals who have made life difficult for many Nigerians.
“Recent reports have shown the message is now being heard and the dividends of our seven years of investments are now maturing. I implore our forces to continue with the current effort and determination until we rid our land of these miscreants.
He said that criminal activities on seas, where large vessels seek to hide in neighbouring countries will be checked, stressing that “there should be no hiding place for such criminals, and our cooperation with neighbouring countries in halting these crimes is being strengthened and tightened.’’
President Buhari told the ASCSN that request for restoration of the payment of gratuity to public service employees was one of the landmark provisions addressed in the 2004 Pension Reform Act.
“Therefore, implementing your request for the payment of a bulk sum of gratuity to retired civil servants would negate the intent and provisions of the Act. A change in the implementation of the Act would require an amendment by the National Assembly. But more importantly, the Pension Reform Act is a better designed and robust system that allows for safety of pensioners funds and its payment.’’
On the harmonisation of salary in the Public Service, the President said a committee was set up for that purpose, under the minister of finance.
The president said the head of service of the federation had been directed to liaise with other relevant government agencies to see how the 2023 budget estimates can accommodate an increase in the budget of federal government staff housing loans board.
He charged the ASCSN to remain non-partisan in the discharge of their duties, no matter the political party that is in power.
In his remarks, the President of ASCSN, Tommy Okon stated that President Buhari’s administration has been “worker-friendly’’ with implementation of far reaching reforms ensuring regular payment of salaries and allowances, increase in minimum wage, extension of retirement age for some workers and sustenance of the size of public service in spite of constraints of financing.
Mr Okon called for an increase in salaries of civil servants, following increasing cost of living, restoration of full payment of gratuity at retirement, harmonisation of public service salaries and allowances, and increase in the budget of the National Housing Fund stressing that “there should be equal pay for jobs of equal value”
The president of ASCSN commended President Buhari for ensuring access and inclusivity in governance, noting that it was the first time the Association was meeting with a president of the country.
