'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rejuvenating the civil service by implementing strategic reforms and introducing performance-based incentives to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking at a one-day leadership development session held at the State Secretariat in Lokoja, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, emphasized the importance of continuous reforms in aligning Kogi’s civil service with international best practices.
Dr. Evinemi commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his dedication to strengthening the civil service, describing it as the engine room of governance. He highlighted the presence of Permanent Secretaries and Directors at the event as a testament to the administration’s commitment to capacity building and efficiency in governance.
One of the major highlights of the session was the proposal to expand the Government Performance Index to include an incentive program for outstanding civil servants. This initiative, according to Evinemi, aims to reward excellence, motivate employees, and improve overall service delivery.
Evinemi revealed that a proposal for revamping the civil service had already been presented to Governor Ododo, who has given his verbal approval for its implementation. The restructuring, he said, aims to position Kogi State’s civil service among the best in Nigeria, ensuring it remains competitive and efficient in an evolving governance landscape.
The 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 in the state.
He explained that the pledge is built on six core principles: Knowledge-driven leadership; Openness and accountability; Goal-oriented innovation; Inter-agency synergy; Character and competence; Inclusion and diversity.
Dr. Adeiza encouraged Kogi State to adopt global best practices in public service reforms, citing Singapore and Dubai as successful examples of strategic civil service transformation.
As part of the reform recommendations, Dr. Adeiza advocated for digitalization of governance processes to streamline efficiency and improve service delivery. He also introduced the No Wrong Door Initiative, which ensures that citizens can receive government services efficiently, regardless of the office they approach.
Additionally, he suggested the implementation of an Enterprise Development Scheme within the civil service to encourage innovation, self-motivation, and productivity among civil servants.
With these bold reforms and a commitment to rewarding excellence, Kogi State’s civil service is on the path to transformation. The introduction of incentives, digitalization of governance, and adoption of international best practices signal a new era of efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery.
As Kogi State moves forward, Governor Ododo’s administration remains dedicated to building a civil service that is not only responsive but also sets a benchmark for governance in Nigeria.
