Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for sustained investment in reforms, strategic capacity development and digital transformation to build an efficient and responsive public service in Nigeria.

Mr Fubara made the call while declaring open the 48th meeting of the National Council on Establishments in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Heads of Service of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The governor said that government at all levels must continually rethink and reposition public institutions to meet the demands of the 21st century.

According to him, rapid technological advancement, changing workforce dynamics, increasing citizens’ expectations and emerging global realities require a public service that is agile, digitally enabled, accountable and driven by excellence.

Mr Fubara said public institutions should not merely adapt to change but anticipate and lead it through policies that reward competence, innovation, integrity and outstanding performance.

According to him, no government can achieve sustainable development without a competent, motivated and efficient public service.

“As custodians of public service administration, your decisions on establishment matters, human resource management, career progression and conditions of service have far-reaching implications for national development and quality governance,” he said.

The governor urged members of the council to ensure that their deliberations produced practical and implementable recommendations that would strengthen institutional capacity, promote transparency, deepen professionalism and improve productivity in the public service.

Mr Fubara said his administration had continued to prioritise the welfare, productivity and professional development of civil servants.

He said the state government had implemented a minimum wage above the nationally approved threshold while sustaining prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and Christmas bonuses.

The governor added that regular promotions had also been restored, while work was at an advanced stage on the renovation and modernisation of the state secretariat complex to provide a safe, technology-driven and conducive work environment.

Mr Fubara commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, for her leadership and reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service.

(NAN)