30th August, 2024
On July 30th, 2024, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation hosted a crucial national workshop titled “Rethinking Reforms: Why Many Reforms Fail in Nigeria and What We Can Do About It.”
The event brought together a diverse array of state and non-state actors to address the persistent challenges undermining Nigeria’s public sector reform efforts.
Building on the Foundation’s extensive research into public sector reforms, the workshop highlighted the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding the corrosive effects of nepotism, corruption, and accountability deficits on public service delivery.
The call from both civil servants and non-state actors to eliminate outdated practices like job slots and adopt more merit-based processes underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
Additionally, the divergence in views between career civil servants and appointed public officials on policy planning and implementation emphasized the necessity for alignment in public service goals and objectives.
Professor Balogun, the workshop’s lead researcher, presented groundbreaking findings, introducing the “Multiple Fiefdoms Theory” as a framework for understanding the obstacles hindering Nigeria’s public sector reforms.
This theory outlines the conflict between two opposing forces within the nation: the “Soft Environment,” characterized by unity, shared national identity, and a commitment to public service, and the “Hard Environment,” marked by divisions, conflicting interests, and a culture of patronage.
This clash often results in personal loyalty overshadowing professional duty, thus stifling effective governance and reform efforts. The research calls for strengthening the Soft Environment by fostering a merit-based public service, promoting accountability, and cultivating a shared national vision.
To address these challenges, the research proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of new public service values, revisions to the code of conduct, and the adoption of global best practices to achieve meaningful and sustainable reforms.
The workshop featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. ‘Dere Awosika, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Uyi Akpata, and Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, who provided valuable insights into the complexities of public sector reform.
The event also featured contributions from prominent figures such as former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Justice Amina Augie, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Mr. Bismarck Rewane.
Former Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, delivered a keynote address highlighting ongoing reform efforts within the Civil Service.
The new Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, was also present, signaling a commitment to succession planning and policy continuity. The attendance of Permanent Secretaries and Directors from across the Service further demonstrated their dedication to advancing the public service.
Key government ministers, including Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy; and Mrs. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, also attended the workshop.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stressed the importance of continuity in the reform process, noting that “The greatest bane of reforms is discontinuity of the key actors. Any break in continuity means virtually the end of reform.”
He outlined the essential roles needed for successful reform—initiator, driver, owner, executor, and sustainer—and emphasized the critical roles of competence, collaboration between Ministers and public service technocrats, adequate remuneration, and effective communication in delivering impactful public service.
The workshop fostered a shared understanding of the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s public sector. Participants identified several key obstacles, including the lack of a unified national development goal, poor political leadership, and weak consequence management.
To overcome these challenges, the participants agreed on the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening accountability mechanisms through technology, investing in human capital development, enhancing citizen participation to build public trust, and improving collaboration across sectors. Recognizing that sustainable change requires time and dedication, the workshop emphasized the importance of long-term commitment.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is committed to turning these insights into actionable steps. A comprehensive report detailing the workshop’s proceedings, research findings, and recommendations will be made available on the Foundation’s website in the coming weeks.
“This workshop marks a pivotal moment as we embark on Nigeria’s public sector reform journey. By working together, we can create a public sector that truly serves the needs and aspirations of Nigerian citizens, because that is who we truly serve,” declared Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
The Foundation expressed its gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners for their invaluable contributions.
