Revamping Nigeria's Public Sector: A Blueprint for National Transformation

The Constitutional Mandate for a Decent Standard of Living

As Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede eloquently stated in his speech, Chapter 2 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution lays out the fundamental objectives and directive principles of the Nigerian state. At the heart of this chapter is a clear and unambiguous mandate: it is the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, authorities, and persons exercising legislative, executive, or judicial power to ensure the delivery of a decent standard of living for all Nigerians.

This is a weighty and profound responsibility, one that speaks to the very purpose of Nigeria's existence as a nation-state. The people of Nigeria have collectively agreed to work together, live together, and even die together as Nigerians, and in return, they have entrusted their elected and appointed leaders with the task of providing them with a decent quality of life.

The Measure of a Nation's Development: The Human Development Index

To assess how well Nigeria is fulfilling this constitutional mandate, Aig-Imoukhuede points to the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI). This comprehensive measure of a country's well-being examines three key dimensions:

• A long and healthy life
• Access to knowledge and education
• A decent standard of living

Based on these criteria, countries are classified into four broad categories: very high, high, medium, and low human development. Aig-Imoukhuede notes that Nigeria currently ranks 161st out of 189 countries, placing it firmly in the "low human development" category. This is a sobering reality that underscores the urgent need for action.

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The Centrality of an Effective Public Service

Aig-Imoukhuede's speech highlights a fundamental truth: an efficient and motivated public service is critical for the effective governance, production, and distribution of public goods, as well as the formulation and implementation of economic policies and the management of public expenditure. In other words, a strong public service is the backbone of a thriving nation.

He points out that this is a universal principle, recognized by all successful countries around the world. Governments across the globe are continuously focused on ensuring that their public sectors are equipped with the right skills, incentives, ethos, and accountability mechanisms to deliver high-quality public services and fulfill their constitutional mandates.

Nigeria's Public Service: A Fallen Giant

Aig-Imoukhuede laments the decline of Nigeria's public service, noting that it was once a source of national pride. In the immediate post-independence era, the Nigerian contingent to the Olympics was "spoken about with respect," and the country was known for having one of the strongest public services in Africa.

However, this reputation has been lost over the decades, and Nigeria now finds itself ranked among the lowest in terms of human development. Aig-Imoukhuede suggests that this is not a reflection of the current government's performance alone, but rather a cumulative result of the challenges that have plagued the public service for generations.

Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede 

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation's Mission: Transforming Public Service Delivery

Recognizing the critical importance of a well-functioning public service, Aig-Imoukhuede and his wife, Ofovwe, founded the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation. The foundation's mission is to work closely with the government, private sector, academia, and development partners to transform public service delivery in Nigeria.

Some of the key initiatives undertaken by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation include:

• Building a critical mass of public sector leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and tools to drive and sustain reforms
• Providing technical support and funding for the digitization efforts of the federal civil service, including the automation of processes and the acquisition of digital devices
• Collaborating with Microsoft to upskill thousands of civil servants
• Implementing a culture change program to shift the mindset of the civil service, including the development of a comprehensive cultural handbook

Aig-Imoukhuede emphasizes that the success of these efforts hinges on the active participation and ownership of all Nigerian citizens. The public service belongs to the people, and it is the collective responsibility of citizens, civil society, and the private sector to ensure its transformation.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR (Chairman of Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation)

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Rethinking Reforms: Why Many Fail in Nigeria

The National Workshop on public sector reforms, hosted by the I Foundation, aimed to delve deeper into the reasons why many reform efforts in Nigeria have historically failed. Aig-Imoukhuede acknowledges that this is a complex and multifaceted issue, but he expresses confidence that the foundation's evidence-based research will provide valuable insights and a roadmap for successful reform implementation.

He emphasizes that public sector transformation cannot be achieved without the full support and participation of citizens, civil society, and the private sector. The research findings will serve as a playbook for the coordination, implementation, and sustainability of reform efforts, benefiting stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector.

A Call to Action: Collective Commitment for Lasting Change

Aig-Imoukhuede's speech concludes with a powerful call to action, urging all Nigerians – from policymakers and business leaders to members of civil society and the academic community – to play an active role in the public service reform process.

He emphasizes that the transformation of Nigeria's public service is not the responsibility of the government alone, but rather a collective endeavor that requires the sustained commitment and participation of all stakeholders. Only through this collective effort can Nigeria truly unlock its potential and deliver on the constitutional promise of a decent standard of living for all its citizens.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Nigeria's Rightful Place

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede's speech serves as a clarion call for a renewed focus on public service delivery and effective governance in Nigeria. By acknowledging the constitutional mandate for a decent standard of living, recognizing the centrality of a strong public service, and outlining the I Foundation's efforts to drive transformative change, he has laid the groundwork for a national movement to revitalize Nigeria's public sector.

As the country strives to reclaim its rightful place as the "giant of Africa," the success of this endeavor will depend on the collective commitment and sustained action of all Nigerians. The time for change is now, and the path forward lies in the revitalization of the public service – the backbone of a thriving nation.