To revamp the civil service, the Kogi State Government has unveiled plans to implement a strategic reform agenda that will be driven by performance-based incentives aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery.
As part of these reforms, the Government Performance Index will be expanded to include a reward system for outstanding civil servants, ensuring that dedication and excellence are recognized and encouraged.
Addressing a leadership development session which took place at the State Secretariat in Lokoja, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, said the state government is committed to building a modern, professional, and highly motivated workforce.
He explained that the civil service is the engine room of governance, as he called for continuous improvements to align with international best practices.
The state Head of civil service commended the Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo for his resolve to strengthen the service, pointing out that his administration is focused on capacity building, efficiency, and accountability.
Evinemi noted that the presence of Permanent Secretaries and Directors at the session, which according to him, reflected the government’s seriousness in driving reforms, as he disclosed that the service restructuring proposal had been submitted to the governor, and he has given verbal approval for its implementation.
Dr. Evinemi reaffirmed that the restructuring efforts are designed to position Kogi State’s civil service among the best in Nigeria, making it more competitive, productive, and responsive to the needs of the people.
With Governor Ododo’s commitment, these reforms are set to transform Kogi’s civil service into a model of efficiency, accountability, and innovation, ensuring sustainable development and improved service delivery across the state.
Highlights of the session include a presentation by Dr. Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor at Sunway University, Malaysia, who introduced the Kogi Service Pledge.
The pledge which is built on six core principles, is a framework designed to enhance service delivery and governance in the state.
The Kogi Service Pledge include, Knowledge-driven leadership, Openness and accountability, Goal-oriented innovation, Inter-agency synergy, Character and competence and Inclusion and diversity.
Adeiza emphasized the importance of adopting global best practices, citing Singapore and Dubai as examples of successful civil service transformation.
He advised Kogi policymakers to focus on implementing the No Wrong Door Initiative, ensuring citizens can access government services seamlessly and Establishing an enterprise development scheme within the civil service to promote innovation and self-motivation.
