The Kogi State government is set to revamp its civil service sector, introducing reforms and incentives aimed at boosting efficiency and aligning operations with global best practices.
Speaking at a leadership development session held at the State Secretariat in Lokoja, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the civil service, describing it as the engine room of governance.
He praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support in driving reforms and enhancing the effectiveness of civil servants. According to Evinemi, the presence of key officials, including Permanent Secretaries and Directors, at the session underscored the administration’s focus on capacity building and efficiency.
One of the key takeaways from the session, he said, was the expansion of the Government Performance Index to include an incentive program aimed at rewarding outstanding civil servants. He emphasized that recognizing excellence would serve as a motivation for improved performance and service delivery.
Evinemi further disclosed that a proposal for the civil service overhaul had already been presented to the governor, who had given verbal approval for its implementation. He noted that the restructuring initiative aims to position Kogi State’s civil service among the best in the country, ensuring competitiveness and efficiency in governance.
Guest speaker Dr. Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor from Sunway University, Malaysia, introduced the Kogi Service Pledge, a framework designed to enhance governance and service delivery. He highlighted its core principles, including knowledge-driven leadership, accountability, innovation, inter-agency collaboration, character and competence, as well as inclusivity.
Adeiza urged the state to adopt global best practices, citing Singapore and Dubai as examples of nations that transformed their civil service through strategic reforms. He stressed the need for digitalization to streamline governance processes, improve service delivery, and enhance productivity.
He also recommended the adoption of the No Wrong Door Initiative, ensuring citizens receive government services efficiently, regardless of the office they approach. Additionally, he advocated for an enterprise development scheme within the civil service to encourage innovation and self-motivation among civil servants.
